The two-year-old whippet-cross walks in and out of their rooms on his daily rounds, giving a nuzzle, asking for a pat or taking a seat on a vacant bed.

Once he’s done, Rupert spends most of his time lying on the couch in the sun in the dementia clinic.

The resident dog, who comes to work with owner and Mirridong clinical care co-ordinator Joe Barth from Monday to Friday, is a much-loved part of Mirridong life.

“He has a beautiful nature,” resident Pat Hercus said.

“We love Rupert. He’s a beautiful dog.”

Mr Barth got Rupert from an RSPCA shelter, one of seven pups dumped in a box in Eaglehawk. 

“He ran to me when I opened the gate and I knew he was the dog for me,” Mr Barth said. 

 Mr Bath started bringing Rupert to work with him from 10 weeks of age.

“I named him Ben at the start but he somehow became Rupert,” Mr Barth said.

“We had him here straight from a pup so that’s why he’s so good with the residents.

“Some of the residents in the dementia clinic can’t remember our name, but they all remember Rupert’s.”

Mirridong facility manager Leah Wolfe said Rupert has a placid, caring nature and was a good influence on the residents.

“He has a real calming effect with residents. He sits next to them or puts his head in their lap,’’ she said. 

“The residents just love it. He is a big comfort to them.”

But Mr Barth said Rupert’s placid and calm nature goes out the door once he hsa left Mirridong for the day.

“He runs around everywhere once he gets home. He jumps of hay bales and runs around with the horses. 

“He gets his energy out of his system at night. 

“He’s a different dog.”

Then the next day Rupert is back, calmly checking on residents once again.

Do you know a Rupert?

Do you know of a dog doing special things in the community such as Rupert? Email cos@bendigoadvertiser.com.au or call the newsdesk on 5434 4470.