Lifestyle Pets Children's Hospital Therapy Dog Treated to Adorable Retirement Party Blowout Abe has worked for Seattle Children's for 11 years and is now heading into a life of rest and relaxation By Kelli Bender Kelli Bender Kelli Bender is the Pets Editor at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2013. Her work has previously appeared on MTV, The Frisky, Vice, and Best Friends Magazine. People Editorial Guidelines Published on October 9, 2017 05:50PM EDT After 11 years of spreading smiles professionally, Abe the therapy dog is retiring. Over the course of his career with Seattle Children’s, he has cheered up thousands of kids dealing with their toughest times. “Not only do patients and their families enjoy his visits, there are staff members we’ve come to know over the past several years who love seeing him,” says owner Judith Bonifaci. Courtesy PetSmart Charities While the process of becoming a certified therapy pet is challenging, Abe wagged his tail the whole way through. Bonifaci brought the dog into her life more than a decade ago after overcoming the heartbreaking loss of her last golden retriever. This time, she wanted her pet to make a difference not just in her life, but the lives of countless others, so she started taking Abe to therapy dog training when he was just a puppy. Often it takes canines three to four years to become a therapy dog, but Abe mastered all of the strict obedience requirements and received his certification when he was just 14 months old. Are you a dog or cat owner? Join PetHero to get 25% vet bill discounts, toys and treats, and more! Abe started his charitable career as a classroom therapy dog at a local elementary school. Once he turned 2 — one of the requirements of visiting patients at Seattle Children’s — he started visiting the hospital on a weekly basis through its Animal-Assisted Activities Program, supported by PetSmart Charities. Courtesy PetSmart Charities And that is what he has been doing for the past decade: leading Bonifaci from room to room, brightening the days of everyone he passes. Courtesy PetSmart Charities Strong in spirit, Abe still loves making others happy, but he doesn’t have the same stamina as when he first started. He will spend his golden years enjoying rest and relaxation at home with Bonifaci. RELATED VIDEO: What Do I Need to Know About Becoming a Pet Parent? Before he left, Seattle Children’s treated Abe to an affection-filled retirement party, so this one therapy dog could see the positive impact he has had on so many. Courtesy PetSmart Charities Abe’s space won’t remain vacant for long: Now that Abe has retired, Bonifaci’s 2-year-old golden retriever Jackie will be stepping in for her big brother.