Furry member receives recognition during International Pets Day

Mercy Place Rice Village furry member Boots with residents Mary and Marie. (Ivan Kemp) 328738_01

A Geelong furry aged care worker has been honoured with cuddles, treats and a pawsome photoshoot as part of International Pets Day.

Residential aged care service facility Mercy Place Geelong’s Rice Village celebrated 10-year-old Pomeranian Cross Boots on Tuesday, April 11.

Boots’ owner and Rice Village lifestyle team member Bianca Burns said International Pets Day was “an all-day celebration for Boots” and he was a much-loved village member.

“It’s heart-warming to see how much joy my Boots brings to the residents and staff here at Mercy Place Geelong,” she said.

“He is truly a beloved member of our family who is a loyal and loving companion to all Mercy Place Geelong.”

Ms Burns said Boots became a village member after she brought him to work one day and became popular with the residents.

“He was so popular after his first visit that the residents continued to ask for his return,” she said.

“He started visiting the home three times a week and is now a beloved member of the Mercy Place Geelong Rice Village family.”

Ms Burns said Boots was named after the white patches of fur on his feet and that he loved going to the beach and getting his paws wet when he wasn’t looking after the village residents.

Rice Village resident Maria Titford said she was glad to have Boots at the residential aged care home and enjoyed his company.

“I am so grateful to have him as part of our home. His cuddles and love always fill me with great joy,” she said.

“Boots may be small, but he has a big heart and brings so much happiness to everyone here at Mercy Place Geelong Rice Village.”