Newhaven Court at Clearview has 86 human residents and one four-legged friend who greets each visitor at the door.

Benny, a 2-year-old golden Labrador-pointer mix, has been with the assisted living complex for almost two years.

"It was the (idea of the) owner of our company, which is Integra Care," said activities director Amy McCall. "They put it out two years ago that the goal was to have each of our nine facilities have a community dog."

McCall found Benny at the Butler County Humane Society on her third trip while looking for the right dog for the residents.

Benny was given to the humane society by a man who was moving and unable to keep him.

He had only been at the humane society for about a week when his sweet demeanor caught the attention McCall.

"It was just dog after dog, and then I saw him, and he was perfect," McCall said. "He was just so gentle and kind."

For about two weeks, McCall fostered Benny at her home with her two dogs, Bently and Olive, as well as her cat, Baby. This way McCall was sure Benny would get along with other animals.

"I wanted him to interact with little animals, a cat, and I just didn't want to bring a dog here," McCall said.

It was essential for Benny to be well behaved around other animals because residents at Newhaven court are allowed pets, and guests also bring their animals.

McCall would bring Benny into work with her every morning to see if he was good with the residents and facilities.

After she was sure, McCall adopted Benny.

Val Klien of Family Dog Obedience helped to train Benny and McCall for six weeks to prepare Benny to pass the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test.

Passing the test would determine if Benny could stay at Newhaven as its community dog.

The test included different obedience exercises to make sure Benny wouldn't pose a safety hazard around walkers and wheelchairs.

"He had to sit and stay as I walked away from him out of his sight, and he can't move." McCall said. "Then I'll call him, and he'll come."

Benny passed the test, which was administered by Klien, and has lived at Newhaven Court ever since.

"We have staff here 24/7, so if Benny has to pee at midnight somebody can take him out," McCall said. "Our staff is good about that."

During the day, Benny follows McCall around the building while she does her work.

"He's like my shadow," she said. "He is always with me."

Benny visits with residents, sprawls out on the lobby floor and generally explores every nook and cranny he can get his nose into.

"He's always sniffing things out," McCall said.

Betty Kamerer likes watching Benny walk around and explore new areas.

"He's very pleasant," Kamerer said. "He's just a happy dog."

His training and demeanor allow Newhaven Court personnel to not worry about Benny running away, so he is never on a leash unless outside the building.

"He knows the only place he is not allowed is the kitchen and the dining room," McCall said.

Benny's favorite activity is going on walks through the neighborhood where everybody knows his name.

"He loves to w-a-l-k," McCall said. "When you say that word or he sees his leash, he knows."

Residents like Tony Monday enjoy walking Benny on occasion.

"I just like to be around an animal that is as smart as him," Monday said. "No problems, and he technically likes everybody."

But while Benny is well behaved and never bolts or goes for squirrels, McCall worries something could happen because of Benny's large size and therefore does not often let residents walk Benny.

At night, Benny generally hangs out with the nurses or assistants on duty.

One time, Benny was more than just the community pet, as he helped a resident in need.

A resident had fallen in a long corridor while walking at night. Benny had seen the resident and began barking, something that is extremely unusual for the quiet dog.

"Benny actually alerted them," McCall said. "The nurses came and made sure the man was all right."

Benny is like a family member to the residents and employees of Newhaven Court and participates in the events with them as if he is one of the gang.

"We are in exercise and he will sit there and stretch with us," McCall said.

The facility will even celebrate his third birthday in September.

"We throw a big birthday party for him," McCall said. "Residents buy him gifts like a new toy or treat and we have a big cake, ice cream and party hats."

McCall said Benny is supposed to remind residents of pets they previously had.

"Just that home atmosphere with the dog," McCall said. "And bring them back to reminisce about their own dog."

Kamerer used to have springer spaniel but doesn't have any pets in her room currently. However, she said she still has a pet.

"Benny, he's everybody's pet."