Tom Connors and his rescue dog, Sheba, visited residents at Maple Shade Meadows Senior Living in Nesquehoning Monday to deliver special Valentine’s Day cards from the dogs at the Carbon County Animal Shelter.

Connors, the shelter manager, adopted Sheba, a Great Dane he describes as a gentle giant, from the shelter. She now serves as an ambassador for the shelter, visiting children in after-school programs.

Sheba sat or stood against Connors as he spoke to the seniors about how he bonded with her and some of the other dogs the shelter has.

He also brought photographs of the dogs at the shelter taken by Lynn Shupp of Photography by Lynn in Palmerton, who did a Valentine-themed photo shoot with the dogs to help them find homes.

Connors talked about each dog in the photos, sharing a little bit of each dog’s story, or its unique traits, before taking Sheba to greet residents in the activity room.

“You can pet her if you like,” he told residents as he walked Sheba up to each of them. “She’s a good girl.”

Their faces lit up as Sheba approached, and Connors told them that anytime they want to see a dog, let the staff know.

“We’re real close. I would be more than happy to come over,” he said.

Connors said he wanted to visit the residents and make their day a little better, and share Valentine’s Day cards from the shelter pups.

“You know, dogs have a way of brightening someone’s day,” he said, “and we wanted to come by and make their day a little more special.”

The Valentine cards have photos of the dogs at the shelter and a greeting from each. Connors got the idea from social media, after seeing teachers having their students make cards for nursing homes.

“You know, I’m not a teacher, but I thought it would be nice to do something with the dogs’ pictures,” he said.

One resident, Ida Piccin, said she was thrilled about the visit with Sheba and the Valentine’s Day cards.

“I loved it,” she said, as it brought back happy memories of her own dog. “There’s nothing like a dog, a good dog. I’m all smiles. I intend to smile all day and all night now.”

Tiffany Billig, center administrator, said the residents love to see children and anything with animals.

“It’s just brings so much joy to our residents,” she said. “It’s also nice to see them excited.”

Maple Shade Meadows planned a Valentine’s Day party today, and that’s coming off the big Super Bowl party, Billig said.

The shelter has its own celebration in February, as it is Love a Dog for Life Month. Adoptions are half-price during the month.

Those interested in adopting a dog should call the shelter, which is located adjacent to the county prison, for an appointment. The shelter is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number is 570-325-4828.