Oakmont Senior Communities is proud to announce that Oakie, a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog trained to assist veterans of the United States Military with the daily tasks of living, has been donated by Oakmont and recently paired with a mid-Michigan Marine named Randy.

Residents, staff, and families from Oakmont’s five area independent and enhanced senior communities raised $25,000 through small fundraisers over the past 15 months to help facilitate Oakie’s no-cost adoption and the relationship between dog and owner couldn’t be going better.

“He’s just been with me a few days, but he’s already helped me a lot,” said Randy, a veteran who was honorably discharged in 1997 and went on to serve as a firefighter. “He’s young but he’s my type of guy,” Randy said, “He’s a great guy.”

Oakie, a German Shepard that was one of the quickest dogs in Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs history to graduate into service, was given his unique name via an Oakmont-wide naming contest held by residents and staff in late 2019. Among many great suggestions, Oakie was the clear winner and it’s a perfect fit for the Shepard’s upbeat personality.

“This is such a worthwhile cause,” said Sharon, a resident of Oakmont Parkway and a dog lover who helped fundraise for Oakmont Cares in her community. “These men need these dogs and these dogs are trained especially for them. I think it’s just wonderful what these dogs do.”

“The credit goes to our residents, community staff members, and our exceptionally generous ownership who have worked hard to makes sure we met our fundraising goals – even in these most trying of times,” said Michele Walny, Oakmont’s Regional Manager. “Through small fundraisers like raffles, themed meals, bake sales, book sales, and more, our Oakmont family was able to raise an incredible amount of money to help a Michigan veteran which is something we all feel so positive about – especially Oakie, who is as happy as can be with his new best friend.”

Oakie is the second Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog sponsored by Oakmont residents and staff via the Oakmont Cares program. In 2017, Oakmont raised money to sponsor the adoption of Whiskey – a medical service dog that was paired with Steve, a veteran of the United States Army during the Gulf War. Since their pairing at a ceremony in late 2017, Steve and Whiskey have thrived – building a bond that brings them both comfort and joy.

Each year, all Oakmont Communities participate in a charitable Oakmont Cares effort. In 2018, $12,000 was raised to support the recovery of Oakland Country Sheriff’s Deputy David Hack. In 2017, $22,000 was raised to train and adopt a medical service dog for a Michigan veteran.

Oakmont Senior Communities would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Strek and Madeleine families for their generous donation to our 2019-2020 Oakmont Cares fundraising campaign. With the addition of these funds, we are one step closer to raising the $25,000 required to facilitate the training of a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog and its adoption to a Michigan veteran in need.

The donation was made in honor of Doris Strek – a former resident of Oakmont Parkway and a wonderful neighbor. Doris and her husband were active supporters of non-profit and community causes including the Harper Woods Lions Club, their local church, and many others. Their generous spirit of giving was passed down to their children who have continued the family legacy of helping others.

We, as a company, could not be prouder of the positive impact Doris’ time at Oakmont Parkway had on the life of both herself and her family, and we are so thankful they have honored her memory with this donation.

Thank you to the Strek and Madeleine families!

Introducing Oakie – the beautiful puppy who is well on his way to becoming a highly-trained Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog!

For our 2019-2020 Oakmont Cares charitable effort, Oakmont Senior Communities is again sponsoring the training and adoption of a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog for a Michigan veteran in need. Specially trained to assist with the impacts and effects associated with military service, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs help those they serve with a variety of tasks and situations that arise during the activities of daily living.

Our beautiful dog this year is named Oakie – a name that won an Oakmont-wide naming contest held by residents and staff. It is sure to be instantly familiar to the pup who has affectionately been nicknamed Oakmont since birth and is now several months into his training.

Now more than six months into the fundraiser, things are going great. More than $7,000 of the $25,000 needed for Oakie’s adoption has already been raised by Oakmont residents, with other events, fundraisers, and programs planned throughout the rest of the year.

Oakie is the second Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog sponsored by Oakmont residents and staff via the Oakmont Cares program. In 2017, Oakmont raised the money to sponsor the adoption of Whiskey – a medical service dog that was paired with Steve, a veteran of the United States Army during the Gulf War. Since their pairing at a ceremony in late 2017, Steve and Whiskey have thrived – building a bond that brings them both comfort and joy.

For more updates on Oakie’s progress and all Oakmont Cares efforts, please follow us on Facebook and stay tuned to this blog.