Fashionable dog brings joy to Machesney Park living community
MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WIFR) - Jerry Garcia, aptly named after the frontman of the Grateful Dead, is an 8-year-old Chihuahua who brings joy everywhere he goes.
Heather says Jerry is not an actual therapy dog but says he is a natural at emotional support.
As his mom Heather Prunty says, Jerry has never met a stranger. That’s what makes him the perfect companion where she works at TLC Living Community on Roosevelt Road in Machesney Park.
“He will cry if he sees someone across the street that he can’t meet,” Heather said. “He’s sees a person and he cannot wait to meet them.”
Heather says Jerry is not an actual therapy dog but says he is a natural at emotional support. In fact, he is known around TLC as the ‘Jerrapy’ dog.
“He lightens the mood,” said Heather. “You cannot help but smile.”
Helen Kearney, 89, calls Jerry her grandson. She says every resident is greeted with a wagging tail and a helping paw.
“My husband died just about a little over a year ago and you still miss him when you go into the room and think he should be there and you don’t ever get over that, but a dog helps make up for some of that loss,” Helen said.
Heather says Jerry is not an actual therapy dog but says he is a natural at emotional support.
She believes what makes Jerry such a happy, little guy is that he knows he is loved. And he gives that love right back to everyone he meets.
“For those of us that have lost our parents, our husbands or wives, it’s not that they fill the void but there’s somebody there that shares your sorrow,” Helen said.
But it’s not just his happy-go-lucky attitude or trick shots that garners the attention of on lookers. It’s his snazzy appearance.
“I’ve never seen a dog that will leave shoes on their feet,” Helen shared.
And it’s not just shoes - Jerry turns every hall at TLC into a runaway with his tiny Air Jordan’s, dapper suits and ‘Elvis’ apparel. One resident even gifted him a tiny, Jerry-sized hat.
Heather says Jerry is not an actual therapy dog but says he is a natural at emotional support.
“It’s the same resident that got him the Grateful Dead shirt,” explained Heather. “He knows that he’s an astute little gentleman.”
When he’s not serving looks and bringing comfort into the living community, Heather says Jerry is all about playing ball (which he did the full hour and a half when WIFR visited TLC).
Jerry is quite the star on social media. You can check out his TikTok page for more of his stylish attire.
