Rescued dog finds joy in serving every person she meets

A 5-year-old dog from Niverville is getting a lot of attention these days as she goes about her work. 

Tundra was born in rescue and then adopted by Carey Hawkins who realized that this calm and loving Border Collie/Mastiff was truly born to be a working dog. 

“With her temperament and a couple of levels, two to three levels of obedience training, she is now a St. John Ambulance therapy dog in addition to now being an education ambassador with Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue,” Hawkins says. 

Tundra became certified with St. John Ambulance in December and is now making regular visits to an assisted living facility in Niverville.

Tundra is making special connections with people she meets through her job as a therapy dog. (Photo Credit: Carey Hawkins)

Hawkins says this furry friend loves attention and forming relationships with each person they visit. She says there is one person who has formed a very special bond with Tundra. 

“And to watch the connection they have, it almost brings a tear to my eye,” she says. “It's that special. Tundra just sits there and looks her in the eye and just cuddles right up with her. It is just... even thinking about it right now just makes me want to bring a tear to my eye.” 

They also make visits to office spaces to boost employee morale. Tundra seems to soak in all the affection, cuddles and conversation. 

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program provides opportunities for people to talk with the volunteer and the dog as well as cuddle with the dog. And Tundra’s soft fur and affectionate demeanor makes her a great fit to be working in this role. 

If you would like to request a visit from Tundra or any therapy dog, contact St. John Ambulance.

Tundra is a beautiful dog with soft fur, and handler Carey Hawkins says people love to pet her. (Photo Credit: Sam Dubas Photography)

As an education ambassador with Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue, Tundra gets to visit day camps, schools and pre-schools to help educate children about caring for animals as well as the work being done by animal rescues. Tundra also enjoys showing off with a few tricks. 

Hawkins says they both have a lot of fun spending time with the children and putting smiles on their faces. 

“The squealing, the smiles and the clapping, it just brings a smile to my face,” she says. “It makes me proud to do what I'm doing with the rescue as well as with St. John Ambulance.”

You can email steinbachanimalrescueevents@gmail.com for more information about the education program through Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue.

Whether they are visiting classrooms, assisted living facilities or offices, Hawkins says each trip is rewarding for both of them.

From spending her first 10 weeks of life in a foster home through Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue to where she is now, Tundra seems to be thankful for the kindness shown to her and is eager to give back, says Hawkins.