These are challenging times for us all, and just like every time we are in need- our best friends jump in to help.

Tonka, an amazing therapy dog, has been a regular visitor of the elderly residents at Cedar Pointe Health and Wellness Suites in Texas.

His company brought great joy to the residents there, but due to the safety precautions after the coronavirus pandemic, all activities were put on hold.

Yet, even though the seniors at the facility are into self-isolation, Tonka and his owner, Courtney Leigh, have found a way to continue with their practice and comfort them, and started greeting them at their windows!

Leigh explained:

“We learned that with the recent events all therapy visits will be discontinued for safety purposes, of course, and containment. We really missed our visits, and I thought, what can I do personally, on my own, to try and continue some of the feelgood that this wonderful dog gives to everyone? So they were kind enough to go with the idea I had.

Certainly, it’s a safe space with the window as a barrier, just walking around the outside.”

Residents were ecstatic to see their old fellow from the window, and some even made signs to show him how much they appreciate his company.

Leigh showed them a sign that read “We miss you.”

She added that this was the most meaningful of all their therapy visits so far, with residents “smiling from ear to ear” and some even “reached out to touch the window.”

And Tonka will surely continue to brighten up their days!

 Susan Peters-Fineske, who was accompanying Tonka, said:

“It was heartwarming to see the look on the faces of the elderly when they were surprised to see Tonka in their window. When they would put their hands up against the window it brought a few tears.

I’m so lucky that I was there [that day], to see that and be a part of it all.”

And the caring Great Dane was certainly the “Hero of the Day”!

Sources:
www.pupperish.com
abcnews.go.com
www.today.com