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Living Center Gets Visitors

June 19, 2020

Residents and staff of Spring Village Assisted Living Facility got a special treat Thursday when the Phillie Phanatic and nine therapy dogs visited the center.

“The idea is to put smiles on all the residents’ face, as well as thanking all the health care workers for doing a great job,” said Eric Gerstel, member of the Tri State Canine Response Team, the organization behind the event.

Tri State provides pet therapy to hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities and more.

The Canine Response Team’s volunteers let residents and workers meet with the dogs on the patio entrance of the assisted living center. Volunteers also brought some of the dogs to the windows of residents’ rooms.

The Phanatic, socially distancing from the bed of a pickup truck and wearing a mask, gave the dogs treats, danced and waved to residents.

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