Joey, the purebred Shitzu at Tatagwa View, passed away over the weekend. He was a therapeutic dog well-known to all the staff and residents at the Tatagwa View long-term care facility.

Joey was born in February of 2001 in Ituna, Sask., and was bought by Verna and Brian Paul when he was six weeks old.

He was described as "an adorable ball of fluff with a pushed-in nose and big beautiful eyes that could melt your heart."

At six weeks of age, he started his career as a therapeutic dog, the first such dog in long-term care in the entire health district.

He was always up early and was off to work with Verna. He was recognized by the residents as a friend, as they would often call to him, "Come see Gramma" or "Come to Grandpa".

There have been numerous books, articles and documentaries about the importance and value that therapeutic dogs have, and it was evident in the positive effects Joey had on the residents, staff, daycare kids and visitors.

Joey loved to ride with the residents on their wheelchairs, or would run and jump up on a cart as it went by, and could even be seen riding up and down the halls on the floor scrubbing machine.

Joey had an instinct about who needed a little extra attention and would go up to them to be their little dog for a while. He also loved to make people laugh, especially when he danced and jumped over the broomstick.

The move from Souris Valley to Tatagwa View was made much easier as Joey was there to help ease the transition for the residents. Joey was also well-known at the Weyburn Special Care Home where he also visited after he was done at Tatagwa View.

Verna shared Joey with everyone, but at the end of the day he was happy to go home with her.

The residents of Tatagwa View often said, "Joey should get an award for what he does." As one staffer said of the little dog, "You will forever leave paw prints on our hearts."