Clifford the Dog Serves as Loyal Companion to Residents at Oxford Veterans Home

By Carson McKinney
Hottytoddy.com intern

Clifford the Big Red Dog that animates the minds of several children around the world comes to life at the Mississippi State Veterans Home of Oxford. He takes up residence under the front desk and serves as the home’s facility therapy dog, a fancy title for man’s best friend.

Oxford resident Mason Duffie donated Clifford to the home in November 2014, according to Andrew Plugge, assistant administrator at the home. Charles Dwyer with the nonprofit “Retrieving Freedom” trained Clifford to be well-behaved and suitable around veterans using wheelchairs or canes.

“He is the most even-keeled animal that I know,” Plugge said. “No matter if you are a child who’s excited to see him, jumping around and loving the dog, he is the exact same as he is with an 88-year-old resident here in a wheelchair coming up to give him a treat. He is the same emotional state 24/7, 365.”

Plugge said he believes Clifford has not only figured out residents’ schedules and personalities for treats, but is also able to help veterans through hard times.

“Clifford is so good at understanding peoples’ emotions,” Plugge said. “When a resident is frustrated or sad, Clifford knows and will go sit by them. Sometimes it’s that simple…just to go sit and be with them for a little bit.”

Resident Charles Swenkoske served in the Army as a missile man and worked as a VA-certified nursing assistant for 22 years. He says visiting Clifford is often one of his first activities in the morning.

“Ever since Clifford came here he’s been a big help to this place because everybody likes dogs or pets,” he said. “I had a pet myself, and I had to give him up to come here.”

Resident Charlie Kent was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force and has lived at the home for eight months. He says he scratches Clifford’s ears every day.

“If we would love one another as well as a dog loves his master, there never would be a war,” Kent said. “There never would be any hunger.”

This Veterans Day is Plugge’s first with the Mississippi State Veterans Home of Oxford. In his time at the home, he says he has come to appreciate Clifford, his co-workers and visitors who help better veterans’ lives.

“They gave it all for us, and this is the least we can do for them—to celebrate and honor them accordingly,” Plugge said. “We all have so many freedoms here in America, and it’s all because of them. This is a really special day for the vets and for us alike to honor them in a special way.”