More: Buddy is a 4.5 year old golden retriever. He recently retired from his job as a Hospital Facility Dog where he worked alongside myself, a certified child life specialist, to help patients meet their care goals through animal assisted intervention. Buddy’s career was cut short when he was diagnosed with Lower Motor Neuron Disease, a degenerative neurological condition. Despite an unknown prognosis, Buddy teaches me each and every day how important it is to live in the moment. To know Buddy is to instantly be loved and feel love.