An Abandoned Dog Found a New Purpose as a Companion in an Assisted Living Facility
Chewy’s story could have ended on the streets of Austin, where the small Shih Tzu wandered alone for months. Instead, it began again inside The Philomena Assisted Living.
Priscilla Duran, the facility’s executive director, first noticed the stray outside and brought him to a veterinarian. A microchip scan identified his family, but what seemed like good news quickly soured. When contacted, the owners answered with irritation, refused to reclaim him, and then blocked further calls.
That rejection left Chewy without a home, but it also opened the door to a new purpose among the residents who would soon call him their companion.
Chewy’s Daily Routine
Priscilla couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Chewy without a home. When she shared the situation with residents at her facility, the response was swift. They gathered for a meeting and unanimously voted to make Chewy part of their community. That decision gave the abandoned dog a new identity: the “Executive Dog of The Philomena.”
Chewy quickly settled into his new role, and he now follows a schedule that mirrors the residents’ activities. His mornings begin with rounds through the hallways, where he greets everyone along the way. He often wears uniforms or small outfits that match the day’s events, which makes his visits even more fun. Afternoons might include sitting on laps during Scrabble games or curling up next to someone during quiet time.
Exercise is part of Chewy’s routine. Residents throw his toy over and over—sometimes a hundred times in one sitting—and he never tires of chasing it. He rides along in walkers, too, turning ordinary mobility aids into moments of laughter. At night, he goes home with Priscilla, but each morning, he returns, ready to make his rounds.
Beloved By Grandfolks
At The Philomena Assisted Living, nearly 80 residents now consider Chewy their own. Some turn to him for comfort each day, while others see him as a reason to get out of their rooms and join in.
Staff and residents alike treat him as part of the community. He isn’t just a visitor; he’s the “Executive Dog,” complete with a uniform and a place in the daily schedule. Mornings start with greetings, afternoons often bring Scrabble or other activities, and exercise sessions are built around his boundless energy.
The change in the atmosphere is easy to notice. Chewy draws people into conversations, lifts moods on difficult days, and keeps everyone moving in small but meaningful ways. Once unwanted, he now has dozens of people who proudly call him family.