While many nursing home residents across the country may have received letters of love and appreciation from local community members for Valentine’s Day, those at a Georgia nursing facility received heartfelt messages from man’s best friend.
Residents at Gateway Health & Rehab, a 60-bed skilled nursing facility in Cleveland, GA, received love letters from the dogs at the Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC).
The shelter’s staff lured the dogs with treats, paint and peanut butter. Then they helped them sign their paw prints on cards for residents to spread some affection. Cards included the names of the dogs along with their paw print.
“It was a fun activity where they could get some treats and make some beautiful artwork in the same process,” said HCACC staffer Olivia White.
Staff wanted to make sure that residents felt the love.
“My mom has been telling me about how many of the residents were having a hard time because of the lockdown and not getting to see family,” HCACC Director Madi Nix told local media. “We wanted to find a way to bring smiles to their hearts.”
The dogs’ creative process was also shared on TikTok by a staff member.
