A blind beagle has become a global social media star since forming the cutest band ever with his human sister. The music-mad pup plays the piano and howls along with his bandmate, loving life despite his loss of vision.
(Courtesy of Buddy Mercury)
Eight-year-old rescued beagle mix, Buddy Mercury, lives in Long Island, New York, with Laurie and Glen Wolfe and their 5-year-old daughter, whom they affectionately call the pup’s “Lil Sis.” Laurie, 41, and Glen, 42, adopted Buddy in April 2016 from an animal shelter based in North Carolina after he was found as a stray. They welcomed their daughter the following year.
“He’s always been a part of her life. It’s been a really sweet relationship to watch,” Laurie told The Epoch Times.
(Courtesy of Buddy Mercury)
Buddy Mercury with Lil Sis when she was a toddler. (Courtesy of Buddy Mercury)
(Courtesy of Buddy Mercury)
Just three months after adopting Buddy, Glen was watching TV when he heard the piano start to “play by itself.” His jaw hit the floor, and he took out his phone to capture the magic: Buddy was playing the piano.
Buddy first started “singing” in response to sirens from the nearby fire station, and soon he was making music multiple times a day. “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,” Laurie said.
What happened next was even more spectacular. Buddy began playing along with Lil Sis as she experimented with her keyboard and toy guitar. Laurie and Glen started sharing clips on Instagram and YouTube. They’ve since amassed millions of views and a global fanbase.
Glen, a professional drummer, recalled one of their first viral videos. “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,” he said.
(Courtesy of Buddy Mercury)
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It was summer of 2021 when Laurie and Glen noticed a problem with Buddy’s eyes. Their vet referred them to a specialist who diagnosed progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited condition that meant Buddy would lose his sight completely.
“We were very, very heartbroken,” said Laurie, who grew 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 keep Buddy comfortable by administering eye drops, and, while the beagle “bumps into things here and there,” he’s still very independent. Laurie and Glen have pledged not to adopt any more animals while they help Buddy adjust to life without vision.
Glen, Lil Sis, and Laurie with Buddy Mercury. (Courtesy of Buddy Mercury)
(Courtesy of Buddy Mercury)
The couple’s little daughter, who loves singing, and their piano-playing Buddy now make a perfect musical match.
Their adorable family band has also become a way for the couple to spread the message of animal adoption. They bring Buddy to community events, fundraisers, and interviews, where Buddy is always happy to perform in return for treats.
The pup has even been a guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and has been gifted many toy instruments from his online fanbase.
(Courtesy of Buddy Mercury)
Laurie and Glen started a website in 2019 to sell Buddy merchandise, including t-shirts, coffee mugs, and a calendar that features rescued pets and their stories with proceeds going to charity. They also have a Cameo account so that fans can buy a personalized song from Buddy.
“Whenever Buddy gets an invitation to attend something, if we can fit it into our schedule, we bring him for an appearance,” Laurie said. “His tail is going a mile a minute, he just wants to meet everyone.
“We haven’t quit 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.”