MODESTO, Calif. — A therapy dog who has comforted patients at a California medical center for more than eight years received a love-filled sendoff Friday, launching her official retirement and anointing her successor.

The celebratory walk, captured on various social media accounts and honoring National Therapy Animal Day, allowed 12-year-old Tassy to pass “the bone” off to new therapy dog, Bria, KXTV reported.

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Dozens of staff members lined the corridors throughout Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, clapping and cheering for Tassy as she passed by, KTTV reported.

“Tassy’s gentle nature has brought joy and solace to so many within the walls of our hospital – patients, visitors and our employees,” the center wrote on Facebook.

Tassy’s owner, Gery Azevedo, will continue to volunteer at the center, the TV station reported.

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According to KXTV, the center’s “Code Sun” celebratory walks are typically reserved for patients who spend more than 30 days fighting through an illness or recovering from treatment. Tassy, however, is special.

“We will miss Tassy, but we wish her all the snuggles and treats in her retirement!” the center wrote.

Cox Media Group