Bunky, a half-blind rescue dog with a job, a three-doctor medical team, and acting credits that include two Super Bowl commercials, has won the vote to become Richmond’s Official Dog of 804 Day.
His victory comes handily after thousands of votes were cast in a competition featuring over 100 worthy, four-legged competitors. He’s now tapped to ceremonially kick off 804 Day: Richmond’s Biggest Block Party on Friday, Aug. 2, from 4-9 p.m.
How’s he feeling?
“He’s pretty sleepy,” says his owner, Lindsay Kelley. “But inside I’m sure he’s shouting from the rooftops.”
Naps are understandable. Bunky, after all, is a mature dog with a full schedule. He’s around 13 years old, a potential mix between a Chihuahua mom and a Maltese dad.
After leaving her job teaching kindergarten at Linwood Holton Elementary School, Kelley adopted Bunky in December 2018 from the rescue group FLOP RVA — For the Love of Poodles and Pooches.
Bunky was saved from a hoarding situation where he wasn’t being cared for properly, Kelley says, and received little to no human interaction. When she visited FLOP to adopt, most of the dogs were loud, jumping, trying to get her attention. But Bunky was quiet in the corner, hiding behind a few poodles.
He was shy, blind in one eye, missing some teeth and suffered from a significant heart murmur — and it was love at first sight, Kelley says.
His health challenges also explain his team of doctors. Bunky sees Locke A. Taylor DVM and Associates, a cardiologist at CVCA Cardiac Care and Dr. Ann Bosiack at Animal Eye Care of Richmond. “We want to make sure he’s good,” Kelley says.
During the pandemic, and because of Bunky’s separation anxiety, Kelley started taking Bunky to her new job as training and development coordinator at the Joel Bieber Firm. Bieber, a Richmond lawyer known for his quirky ads and billboards, and his staff fell in love with the sweet, quiet dog who didn’t bother anyone, she says.
“He doesn’t need all the treats, he doesn’t need all the attention,” Kelley says. “He’s just cool.”
True to very-Richmond dog status, Bunky has lived in the Fan, Scott’s Addition and the East End, and enjoys walks by the river. He’s also gained a job title at Bieber’s firm as lead investigator. When Bieber asked if Bunky might be up for appearing in some commercials, Kelley agreed.
Bunky also has helped raise $5,000 for the rescue that saved him, and another $5,000 for Richmond Ruff House. The next fundraiser on his plate is one to support Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) through a calendar featuring other rescues.
But first, it’s time for a groomer appointment to get ready for his appearance at 804 Day. The free festival in and around 17th Street Market will feature Richmond vendors, food and drink, and 15 eclectic bands performing across three stages.
Disclosure: Wendy Humble is the spouse of Steve Humble, chief content officer of VPM, which owns Style Weekly.
