For many dogs around East Sixth Avenue and Scotia Road, 79-year-old Denis Ledoux is a fixture.
He's become a destination for many canines (and their human friends) in his corner of Mount Pleasant, neighbour Wayne Hussey tells V.I.A., adding that Ledoux is always ready with back scratches and treats.
"Not only does he engage with the dogs, but also the owners, so he's become quite a beloved figure," says Hussey, who regularly brings his dog Ella (a Welsh terrier) to visit with Ledoux.
For decades, Ledoux lived in a ground-floor unit of a nearby building. His home had a patio, and he'd pop out to stop and meet the dogs and their owners passing by.
A few years ago he moved. His new home is in the same neighbourhood, but it's not as convenient for greeting his pup pals.
"Because he's on the second floor, he will often make the trip down in the elevator to greet those dogs enthusiastically," says Hussey. "I saw him two days ago; he had to go back up to get more treats for a dog patiently waiting for its time with Denis."
Denis' daughter Michelle says when she visits, her father sometimes constantly pops out to greet the local dogs.
"Every five minutes there was someone," she recalls. "The dogs won't leave unless he comes outside."
For Ella and the other neighbourhood dogs, Ledoux isn't just the man with the treats.
"When he comes down the elevator, she's sitting at the front door, tail wagging," says Hussey. "It's more than just the treats; it's the way that he engages with them."
When it's time to move on, Hussey adds, Ella never wants to leave Ledoux.
"She has to have her time with him where she gets her treats and gets her back scratches and bum scratches," says Hussey. "She would engage as long as she could with him."
A central piece of the neighbourhood
Hussey notes Ledoux has become a central social figure.
"There are several people who I have gotten to know because of his interactions with the dogs," Hussey says.
Ledoux's daughter doesn't think her after knows how important he is to the neighbourhood.
"I think it starts with the love of the dogs," says Michelle. "And then without him realizing it, he's become this steadfast, important pillar in the community."
She believes that's created a stronger community around Ledoux, and those individuals "are the building blocks that create such a wonderful foundation."
That's made her feel safe, knowing he's surrounded by a community that cares about him, and vice-versa.
"He will not move from that area because he can't imagine living without his connections there," she says.
A surprise celebration of Ledoux
With Ledoux turning 80 this Sunday, Hussey decided it would be fun to acknowledge the milestone.
"I just put a notice on the (building's) Facebook page saying this kind gentleman is turning 80, and as a community in our building, who would be interested in celebrating with him?" says Hussey.
In short order, he had 40 responses asking how they could help.
"This is just absolutely the bomb, it's amazing," says Michelle of the surprise party.
Posters have been created, a cake has been ordered, and a special photography project is being organized.
"We plan on taking Polaroid pictures of all of the dogs with Denis and to give him the photos, creating a storybook for him that he can keep as a memento of gratitude for how he has impacted all of the dogs," says Hussey.
Michelle was touched when she was told what was planned.
"I cried when they told me all the things they've planned so far," she says.
Ledoux's family, including six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, is gathering for the party instead of doing a separate, family event.
Michelle says he has no idea anything special is planned.
"He never thinks that he's important," she says. "He doesn't see what we see so this will be totally amazing; this will make him feel so good."
Want to go?
The general public is welcome at the party, planned for Sunday, Feb. 23. It'll run from 1 p.m. (when the surprise is revealed to Ledoux) to 4 p.m. The puppy Polaroid photoshoot is at 2 p.m., followed by cake at 3 p.m.
"Everyone and their dog is welcome," Hussey says.
It's a potluck situation, though people don't have to bring food.
The party is being held at 311 E 6th Ave. in the Wholsein Amenity Room, with access off the alleyway.
