Meet Francisco, The Maltipoo Mascot Of Woodbridge Terrace In Irvine

IRVINE, CA — During his daily rounds at Woodbridge Terrace, Francisco makes sure to take his time visiting residents at the assisted living facility — always stopping by to say "hi" and going in for the occasional pat on the head.

The 8-year-old 10-pound Maltipoo has been in the Irvine community only for eight months but has quickly become an indispensable part of life for residents and staff members.

Jaye Silva, the human resources director at Woodbridge Terrace and Francisco's owner, said she brings the dog with her every day to work, and he even attends the occasional staff meeting.

Francisco used to be owned by a woman living at an independent living facility Silva worked at in La Mirada. The woman suffered from medical issues, and they became so severe over time that she could no longer look after the dog.

Care for Francisco eventually fell to Silva, and they've been inseparable ever since. Silva said the dog is always by her side, like a "little shadow," following her wherever she goes.

Once at Woodbridge Terrace, Francisco became a hit with people at the facility, brightening the day of anyone he encounters, Silva said.

"Residents fell in love with him," Silva said. "He’ll go to residents to say 'hi,' sniff them and let them pet him."

Francisco is so popular among the residents and co-workers that Silva said she gets "daily, hourly" visits to her office from people who want to see him.

Woodbridge Terrace even adopted Francisco as its mascot, featuring the dog in its monthly newsletters.

The dog became such a big part of the community that, during Silva's recent two-week vacation, residents and employees bemoaned how "it wasn't the same without him," she said.

Silva said it made her realize how important it was to have pets in an environment like Woodbridge Terrace.

"They really realized what a vital role he has in our community — I love that," she said.