One unexpected thing that has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak is visits by therapy dog. Hospitals have tightened their visitor policies and nursing home facilities have restricted visitors for the time being.
That means even though therapy dogs like Tonka the Great Dane have shown no evidence of transmitting the virus to humans, they must stay away.
Unfortunately, that means those at Cedar Pointe Health and Wellness Suites will have to miss out on their visits with Tonka until the restrictions are lifted.
Since Tonka’s owner Courtney Leigh also missed the visits to the Cedar Park, Texas facility, she tried to think of a way she and Tonka could still safely visit the residents.
“We really missed our visits, and I thought, what can I do personally, on my own, to try and continue some of the feel good that this wonderful dog gives to everyone?” she told KXAN.
Staff at the rehabilitation center agreed with Leigh’s plans and allowed her let Tonka visit with residents outside of their windows.
While Leigh walked around the perimeter of the building with a sign telling the residents she and Tonka missed them, they were surprised when they looked in some of the windows and saw residents with their own signs for Tonka.
“We’re so excited to be able to just make them smile today.”
Wouldn’t it be great if other therapy dogs and their owners did the same? Share if you agree!
