Toby has Mitcham volunteer job licked

AS PETER Greeneklee's car nears Resthaven at Mitcham, his dog, Toby, can not contain his excitement.

Mr Greeneklee and Toby, 12, a kelpie, visit the nursing home every week to bring laughter and smiles to the residents.

"Toby really does know the place," Mr Greeneklee says.

"As soon as he gets even close he gets excited."

The duo have been visiting the Smith-Dorrien St nursing home for about five years.

Mr Greeneklee and fellow volunteer Bob Hedge run the nursing home's men's group each Friday morning.

Mr Greeneklee says Toby is so dedicated to the visits, three years ago, while his owners were on holiday, he escaped his backyard walked the 1.5km to the nursing home.

"One Sunday, Toby got the day wrong and decided it was men's group day and escaped," Mr Greeneklee says.

"He trotted down Fullarton Rd and walked all the way here (to the nursing home) and presented himself at the desk.

"Fortunately the desk people recognised him and rang us and my brother picked him up."

Mr Greeneklee downplays his own involvement in the Resthaven volunteer program, chosing instead to focus the attention on Toby's interaction with residents.

"Anyone who's got cake is his favourite," Mr Greeneklee says.

Although Toby qualifies for aged care himself - at the equivalent of about 85 in human years - Mr Greeneklee can not see the Kelpie's enthusiasm for the nursing home visits slowing down anytime soon.