They say that every dog has its day, and that’s certainly true for resident Thomas Obrien at Sunset Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center.

In an effort to give back to man’s best friend, Thomas donated $1,000 worth of heartworm prevention medication and $50 worth of cleaning supplies to the Racing Dog Retirement Project in southwest Florida. In addition to his contribution, we donated $250 to the organization, and Courtside Tennis Club of Venice donated 100 tennis balls to the rescue dogs.

The Racing Dog Retirement Project works to place retired Greyhound race dogs, usually between the ages of two and five years old, into loving homes in the counties of Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto.

“We strive to keep our long-term patients engaged and continue to feel a deep sense of purpose,” Executive Director of Sunset Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center Allison Beck said. “So when we heard that Mr. Obrien made this donation to the dogs, we wanted to make it a big celebration.”

Social Services Director Julie Dean invited the Racing Dog Retirement Project to Sunset Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center for the afternoon on June 29. Seven dogs came to the health center to visit Mr. Obrien and the other residents over some snacks and refreshments.

“It was so great to see the smiles on our residents’ faces as they interacted with the rescue dogs,” Dean said. “I’d like to thank Mr. Obrien for his generous donation that inspired such an awesome day.”