Meet Tonka — the cutest therapy dog who knows how to provide comfort, affection, and support to people when it’s needed.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional support to people are in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, and other institutions.
Last year, Tonka regularly visited patients and residents staying at the Cedar Pointe Health and Wellness Suites, located in Texas. Whenever he goes there, he always makes them smile. Recently, the facility had to put the interactions on hold as a safety measure to the coronavirus outbreak.
Senior people who live in the facility were forced to go into self-isolation and limit contact with other people. It was hard for Tonka and his handler, but luckily, they found a way to comfort the elders.
Tonka usually goes into the building to greet the residents. Since the coronavirus outbreak, Tonka’s visits to the building were limited. So, he still went to the building to greet them but just at their windows. He wanted to let them know that even though they are in isolation, they are not alone. This heartwarming act made the residents even happier.
Susan Peters-Fineske, who was accompanying Tonka, said that the residents even put their hands against the window. It’s so pleasing to see the smile on their faces!
Several residents even decided to make signs in order to let the dog know that they appreciated his presence very much.
Tonka will continue to visit the facility and bring happiness to the residents, even if it’s through the windows. Peters-Fineske said she is so lucky to be a part of this.
Hopefully, this nightmare will be over soon and we will all be able to live our lives normally. And the residents at the facility will be together again face-to-face.
