A visually impaired beagle named Buddy Mercury has achieved global social media fame by forming an incredibly adorable band with his human sister. Buddy, the music-loving pup, demonstrates his piano-playing talents and harmonizes beautifully with his sibling, all while embracing life despite his vision impairment.
Buddy Mercury, an eight-year-old beagle mix who was rescued, resides in Long Island, New York, with his loving family: Laurie and Glen Wolfe and their 5-year-old daughter, affectionately known as Buddy’s “Lil Sis.” Laurie, aged 41, and Glen, aged 42, adopted Buddy from an animal shelter in North Carolina back in April 2016, where he had been found as a stray. The following year, they welcomed their daughter into the family.
Laurie shared with The Epoch Times, “He’s always been a part of her life. It’s been a really sweet relationship to watch.”
Just three months after Buddy’s adoption, Glen had a surprising moment while watching TV. He heard the piano seemingly playing by itself and was astonished. He quickly grabbed his phone to capture this enchanting moment: Buddy was playing the piano.
Buddy’s musical journey began with his “singing” in response to sirens from the nearby fire station. Soon, he was creating melodies multiple times a day. Laurie explained, “It became part of his routine, and he’s really very happy when he plays because his tail is always wagging when he’s at the keys.”
Glen, a professional drummer, fondly recalled one of their first viral videos. He said, “Lil Sis ran into the room with the guitar. She was excited. Buddy was looking out the window, and I just couldn’t believe what happened next… It was a magical moment, just unforgettable.”
In the summer of 2021, Laurie and Glen noticed an issue with Buddy’s eyes. Their veterinarian referred them to a specialist who diagnosed Buddy with progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited condition that would eventually result in him losing his sight completely.
Laurie expressed, “We were very, very heartbroken,” especially since she had grown up with dogs. “But thankfully, on a happy note, [the vet] said to us that it’s going to be most important for Buddy to stick to his routine. She said part of his routine is playing the piano, and through our tears, we were smiling.”
Laurie and Glen now ensure Buddy’s comfort by administering eye drops. Although Buddy occasionally “bumps into things here and there,” he remains remarkably independent. The couple has made a commitment not to adopt any more animals as they help Buddy adapt to life without sight.
Their little daughter, who has a passion for singing, and Buddy, the piano virtuoso, have formed the perfect musical duo.
This heartwarming family band has also become a platform for the couple to promote the message of animal adoption. They bring Buddy to community events, fundraisers, and interviews, where Buddy eagerly performs in exchange for treats.
Laurie concluded, “We haven’t given up our day jobs, but could that happen in the next couple of years? I do think it could… There’s a lot going on in the world, but I think that there’s no better cure for whatever is hurting someone [than] choosing to rescue an animal.”
