Maya the therapy dog touched the lives of many during her visits to Saint Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Mich.
This week, Maya’s owner Ray Rauen, took her to the hospital to give a final farewell to the doctors and nurses she’s been visiting for years, reports WXYZ Detroit. Maya was diagnosed with terminal cancer and crossed the rainbow bridge on October 11.
But the therapy dog spent her last days surrounded by those who loved and adored her. Employees lined up to say their heartfelt goodbyes to Maya.
“A relief from the seriousness of the work that everyone does in the hospital to have that moment of relief that Maya and Ray brought to them will be really missed and will be hard to fill, if ever,” said Laura Gutierrez, a spokesperson for the hospital.
Maya was an AKC distinguished therapy dog who gave nearly 4,000 hours to the community. Rauen and Maya were welcome faces at the hospital, bringing light in the darkest of times.
“In a hospital environment there is a lot of sadness that goes on and so if we can make somebody laugh, or smile no matter how sick they are, no matter how they are feeling,” Rauen tearfully told WXYZ.
Rest easy, Maya and thank you for all your dedication, hard work, and love.
See Maya’s goodbyes at the hospital in the video below (and get your tissues ready).
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