“Stacey Mae” liked people. She liked spending time with them and visited nursing homes 2-3 days a week. She would give unconditional love to those in their last days of life, sometimes just laying beside them to comfort them as they neared their last breath – so typical of her breed, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Stacey Mae, from Canon City, Colorado, was well known for The Teddy Bear Project in which she delivered over 2,500 teddy bears to nursing homes and children’s hospitals. She was a true angel from heaven.

Like an angel, she was called home suddenly and without warning. Stacey passed away unexpectedly at only five and a half years old, but in her short life, she knew happiness both as a recipient and one who gave it to others. It was no surprise to anyone who knew her when she was named 2011’s Hero Dog Therapy Winner.