Hospital Bids Sad Farewell To Therapy Dog Diagnosed With Cancer

Maya, the therapy dog, was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. One morning, she was not her usual self, and she was rushed to the vet.

Sadly, cancer was everywhere in her body, and she was given just a few days to live. She took one last trip to Saint Mary Mercy Hospital, in Livonia, Michigan, to say goodbye to all the staff. Doctors and nurses lined the hallway to bid farewell to Maya. Laura Gutierrez, a spokesperson for the hospital, said that Maya and Ray will be hard to replace. Ray Rauen, Maya’s dad, took her to the veterinarian to be put to sleep on October 11.

Ray had been Maya’s dad for the last seven years, he adopted her from a Detroit shelter. During her seven years with Ray, Maya became only one of the 15 therapy dogs at Saint Mary Mercy Hospital. She won awards and the hearts of all the people she met. Maya, a German shepherd-lab mix racked up 4,000 hours of volunteer work and was an AKC distinguished therapy dog.

Ray said that hospitals are often places of despair and sadness. He and Maya took pride in their ability to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The video below is not for the faint of heart. It is the farewell video of Maya’s goodbyes. Grab a box of tissues and watch.

Ray’s last words to Maya were “I love you, and I will see you again.” Thank you for all your work Maya, rest in peace.

Feature Image Source: WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7