By Megan Wehring
Buda – It’s been said that a dog is a man’s best friend. For one dog, her legacy continues to be remembered by many.
Daisy, who once was the furry ambassador for the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Buda, was a dainty dachshund who took her duties very seriously. While she died last year, her memory and legacy continues to live on – especially for her owner, Carol Collins, who currently serves as the Community Outreach Manager for the hospital.
Before Collins moved with Daisy to the U.S. in 2013, they were living in India and Daisy had a chance to be a comfort for many orphan children. Later, they participated in the groundbreaking and grand opening events of the hospital in 2019.
“A big part of it is understanding the community that we are serving,” Collins said. “The [Buda Wiener Dog Races] and Lions Clubs are big parts of the Buda culture. We entered Daisy into the race, she had a little shirt on and we had shirts made that were in support of her. … Daisy was kind of a big girl, I think she was last in her race but the spirit was there.”
To promote morale and the city’s culture, Daisy was always ready to be a team player. She was seen being carried by Baylor Scott & White staff members and guests, taking part in photo opportunities – and of course, wagging her tail and grinning from ear to ear.
“She was a great comfort to people,” Collins said. “She was a comfort to the employees and gave the hospital a sense of home by having a mascot. Certainly by this sweet statue that is now on the side of the hospital to invite people in, I think her legacy is that she was there to comfort. She was kind of a moody dog and she was picky about the people she liked, but she knew when somebody was in need.”
