We love our pets at Brandon Oaks!
We spoke with some of our residents, and their furry companions, about life here!
Adria & Don Casey & Nash
How did you and Nash meet? Through a Washington, D.C. Weimaraner rescue group. We knew we wanted an older dog, because a puppy would have been too much, so we started looking for another Weimaraner (we have always loved the breed). We came across the adoptable pets from the Washington, D.C. rescue group, and that is where we found Nash. He had been rescued from West Virginia after being found outside, living in a pen, after the floods in 2016. He went up to Don, sat down in front of him and raised his paw. So we like to think he chose us. We still cannot believe how good of a dog he is. He is calm, doesn’t bark or lick people and he is just perfect for us and our life here at Brandon Oaks.
Have you both been lifelong animal lovers? Yes! We have bred and shown Weimaraners for years.
How important was it that Brandon Oaks accepts pets? Very important. We lost our last dog a few months before we moved to Brandon Oaks, but we knew it wouldn’t be long before we would have another dog in our home.
What is something interesting about Nash? Nash isn’t a barker, but he makes this funny howling-like noise when we put on his harness to take him for a walk. We think it’s his way of telling us he is happy.
Where do you live on campus? The Village Homes.
Water Dixon & Charlie
How did you and Charlie meet? I was at a stop light at the intersection of Brandon Avenue and Edgewood Street, right up the street from Brandon Oaks, and I saw a tiny orange kitten run across the street and he almost got hit by a car. He ran towards my car but didn’t come out of the other side. I got out and I could hear him meowing, so I asked the driver behind me to honk the horn if he came out when I started to move the car. Very slowly, I moved the car and cautiously made my way back to Brandon Oaks. When I made it back, I didn’t hear anything so I went back into my apartment. Later that day, I went out to eat with my family and we noticed a crowd gathered around my car. We went outside and my daughter-in-law got under the car and was able to get the kitten out. Animal control came and got him cleaned up, gave him shots, and neutered him. A few weeks later, I was able to foster him, but that turned into a permanent stay. I never thought I would have a kitten but Charlie is very special.
Have you been a lifelong animal lover? Yes, but I never had any pets.
How important was it that Brandon Oaks accepts pets? Truly, it wasn’t important when I first moved in, but I was grateful for it when Charlie came into my life.
Where do you live on campus? Dogwood Apartments.
Pattie Hamilton & Peaches
How did you and Peaches meet? When I decided it was time to get
another dog, I started to look around at various breeders. I had Poodles before and just loved them so that’s what I focused on. I found a breeder south of
Atlanta (where I was living at the time) and went to see their puppies. When I went to visit, Peaches waddled over to me and jumped on my leg. I picked her up and she gave me tons of puppy kisses. It was love at first sight. That was 13 years ago and she’s been my daughter ever since.
Have you been a lifelong animal lover? Yes, yes and yes! I love all
animals and always have.
How important was it that Brandon Oaks accepts pets? If they did not
accept pets, I would not have come here. I would never give up Peaches.
What is something interesting about Peaches? Peaches is the star of the 5-book children’s series Peaches The Private Eye Poodle. She has been on book tours around the South where she signs her books with a little paw print. She has also visited elementary schools for book readings. She sees a camera and she starts posing – she’s a doggie diva.
Where do you live on campus? The Main Building.
Bille Murphree & Socks
How did you and Socks meet? I adopted Socks from Angels of Assisi here in Roanoke.
Have you been a lifelong animal lover? Yes, especially cats! I have had both dogs and cats throughout my life, and I used to show a beautiful German Shepard.
How important was it that Brandon Oaks accepts pets? Very, very important. I lost my husband a few months before I moved to Brandon Oaks. I adopted Socks shortly after his death and he helped me with that sudden loss so I can’t imagine not brining Socks with me.
What is something interesting about Socks? Socks walks on a leash just like a dog, which people here thought was a little odd at first but now
everyone is used to seeing me take him out for walks. Even though he is an
indoor cat, I wanted him to be able to still go outside and chase a bug or roll in the grass without running off. He really enjoys it and he gets along well with the neighborhood dogs we see out and about.
Where do you live on campus? The Main Building.
