Emily, the Bernese Mountain dog seized with 65 other dogs from a puppy mill in 91原创, is now spending her days as a therapy dog.

Emily earned this year鈥檚 BC SPCA Animal Hero Award at the society鈥檚 annual awards ceremony, held in Richmond on May 5.

When local lawyer Chris Ness adopted Emily she was extremely nervous and scared at first, as well as emaciated and anaemic.

Emily was rescued during one of the largest puppy mill seizures in Canadian history in 91原创 last February.

When she arrived at the SPCA Vancouver shelter, Emily was skittish and traumatized. But a local lawyer, Chris Ness, knew with one look at at the dog that the pair were meant to be together.

Now the gentle dog is helping others in her community as a therapy dog with St. John Ambulance. Ness says she has come a long way from the anxious animal he met while volunteering as a dog walker for the Vancouver BC SPCA Branch.

鈥淚 hum now. I literally hum with happiness as I take Emily on walks, usually 鈥楳y Girl.鈥�

鈥淓mily is like sunshine on a rainy day. I have not hummed since I was a small child,鈥� Ness said.

After finding pet-friendly housing, and with the support of his sister and her family, Ness decided to adopt Emily. He said she didn鈥檛 know how to play when he first took her home.

鈥淭he first day she didn鈥檛 eat or drink anything鈥� she learned I liked it when she sat down, so she would sit down every 10 seconds even while outside on walks,鈥� Ness says.

Gradually, Emily stopped flinching at sudden movement and learned to run and play.

鈥淪etting the stage for Emily to succeed and then seeing her overcome her obstacles has been incredibly rewarding 鈥� seeing her experience pure joy as she runs around the park or beach is the greatest reward,鈥� Ness said.

Noticing Emily enjoyed meeting strangers, Ness realized her gentle, friendly approach and excellent behaviour made her a strong therapy dog candidate, and enrolled in the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program, where Emily excelled. She is now a regular visitor to seniors living in care facilities.

鈥淪he creates lots of smiles and brightens many peoples鈥� days 鈥� as is her way,鈥� Ness said.

鈥淥nce Emily has enough experience and passes the next level of evaluation, we hope to visit the kids at BC Children鈥檚 Hospital and cancer treatment facilities.鈥�

Ness said he鈥檚 looking forward to her therapy dog journey and can鈥檛 imagine his life without her.

鈥淚 fell head over heels in love with Emily. The day I found out the adoption was approved was the happiest day of my adult life,鈥� he says. 鈥淪he has come so far and we鈥檙e all so proud of her.鈥�