Meet Marcus, a 6-year-old black Labrador Retriever who was originally destined to become a guide dog. Instead, he found a very different calling — one where he can simply be himself: a calm, lazy, and treat-loving Lab.
Marcus started life as a puppy in the training program at Guide Dogs NSW in Australia. He was smart and learned quickly, but after about six months it became clear that he just wasn’t quite cut out for the demanding work of a guide dog.
Trainers described him as “a bit slow” and even “a sloth with a low drive to work.”
His mom, oncologist Dr. Lina Pugliano, agrees. “I adore him but he’s honestly, the most laziest person,” she told The Guardian Australia.
Marcus was also known for dawdling during training and has such a love of snacks that he is now jokingly described as “a food addicted con man.” So when it became clear he wasn’t guide dog material, the organization decided it was time for a career change. Marcus would become a therapy dog instead, a role that turned out to be perfect for him.
Dr. Pugliano, who founded the cancer care and rehabilitation centre Cancer Fit, was thrilled to adopt him. Marcus is now adored by her children and family, and he accompanies her to work every weekday.
His “job” at Cancer Fit involves greeting patients, wandering around the gym and exercise machines, and offering quiet companionship to people going through cancer treatment and offering encouragement.
Of course, Marcus also tries to mooch treats whenever possible.
That habit got a little out of hand after many patients secretly slipped him snacks, and Marcus gained a bit too much weight. These days he’s on a healthier diet, and a poster at the gym warning people to avoid eye contact or be swayed by Marcus’ skill as a “food addicted con man” who uses “puppy eyes and affection” to get what he wants. Instead, everyone is instructed to give Marcus carrot chunks, cucumber sticks, apple slices, or strawberry tops.
Fortunately, Marcus doesn’t seem to mind.
His easygoing, friendly — and yes, slightly lazy — personality makes him the perfect therapy dog.
