August 30, 2011

Riverside, CA - Friends, employees, and volunteers came together on Friday afternoon for a special reception to bid Sunny, Riverside Community Hospital’s retiring K-9 officer, farewell. Friday marked Sunny’s last day of work at the hospital.

Sunny, who is 10years old, began working as a patrol dog at Riverside Community Hospital four years ago with his partner Erick Escobar. Sunny spent many days not only patrolling the hospital campus, but also spending time with patients in their rooms, bringing smiles and comfort to everyone he met. Sunny was bred in Holland and was brought to the United States at 18 months of age. Before beginning work at RCH, Sunny spent two years working for the Banning PD until the K-9 program closed.

At his retirement party, Sunny relaxed and enjoyed being the center of attention while being petted by those who came to pay tribute to his work at the hospital. Many were employees and friends who had grown to know and love Sunny over the years. Employees said they looked forward to Sunny’s friendly visits to their offices or stopping to pet him as he greeted them in the hospital hallways.

"Sunny was not a pet, he was a part of the RCH family", said Famy Bialon, VP of Patient Care at Riverside Community Hospital.

Erick Escobar, Sunny’s partner and handler, said that Sunny knew when he was at home and when it was time to work. "His K-9 instincts kick in the moment he steps out of the car onto the hospital campus grounds." said Erick. "At home, he relaxes and enjoys his time with the family and playing with the kids." Sunny will go home to live the life of a normal dog with Erick, his wife, and two children, who will love and care for him.

"He was a vital member of our security team and it was pleasure to have him here at our hospital," said Jose Torres, Director of Facilities at Riverside Community Hospital. "We are all sad to see him go, but know we is going to be in good hands."

The hospital says that it will be looking for another dog to take Sunny’s position, but no dog can fill the place that Sunny has in hearts of the staff at Riverside Community Hospital.