Ike 

Ike as shelter dog #1075

Early in 2011, this small wire-haired terrier mix was found on a city roadway, alone and injured.   NACHS immediately took him for veterinary care that included surgery to place a pin in a fractured hind leg. After a short hospital stay, he set up residency at the shelter and was known as #1075.

Life at the shelter certainly was not easy, but Ike made the best of it during his several weeks there.  Luckily, his pictures and story on the Natchez Pet Adoptions website were noticed by Kim Lindsey.  Kim quickly went by the shelter to meet #1075, adoption papers were signed, and Ike’s world immediately changed for the better.     He went to his new home complete with family that includes Kim’s husband, Commander of Metro Narcotics  David Lindsey and their two sons, Hunter and Tyler.  In addition to his new wonderful family at home, Ike also acquired an extended family that includes the residents and staff of Adams County Nursing Center.  You see, Kim is the Assistant Director of Nursing at that facility and she had an idea that many of the residents would benefit from having a dog around.  Fortunately, the nursing center’s administrators were very open to the idea and agreed to give it a try.

Mr. Richard Green, who gave up             Ms. Betty Young, who says she has always

his own dog when he entered                   had dogs and loves dogs.  According to Ms.

the nursing center.                                     Betty, having dogs around "helps people".

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It didn’t take Ike long to adjust to the nursing center rules:  no leg hiking and no going into the dining room.   He learned his way around quickly and became a model of good dog manners and sweetness.  Now Ike spends his days going from room to room and lap to lap, seeming to try to give everyone (residents and staff alike) the attention that they need.   He takes his job seriously and is always ready to get in the car with Kim in the morning and seems anxious to get to work.    For Kim, seeing the faces of residents light up when they see Ike coming through the front door gets her day off to a good start.

Ike with Mr. Emanuel Gaines,                     Ike on his "rounds" checking on everyone

a special buddy

Visiting with Social Worker,                      Taking a well deserved rest in the

Cheryl Freeman                                          Nursing Center garden

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Kim believes that Ike’s presence at the center has a therapeutic value.  Many residents miss having their own dogs so Ike helps to fill that void.  Ike is also very special to some residents who do not have family members to visit with.  The therapy works two ways, though.  Ike is also a special needs dog.  He never regained much use of his injured left back leg, so the residents try physical therapy and leg strengthening exercises such as scratching his chin which stimulates Ike to pump the injured leg.  Because Ike can’t get around as well as other dogs, and some of the residents can’t get around as well as some other people, they all just seem to fit in together and understand each other.  The residents have even given him the new title of  "Adams County Ike."