“We wanted to show her that even when you’re down, there is still good in each day,” Bates said. “Our animals come to us because they’re orphaned, abandoned, sick or neglected. But even so they still seem to maintain a positive outlook and hope for the best. ... Because we work with animals every day, we see first-hand the positive impact that animals can have on people’s lives. Whether people come in to adopt or just look at the animals, everyone seems excited and happy for interactions with our animals. We thought that this would be an easy way for us to do something for someone in need.”

Along with the pictures and GIFs of snuggly pugs and frolicking collies, Emma has received an abundance of stuffed versions, including a fleet of plush K9s — a dozen police dogs also paid her a visit — as well as video messages from the Milwaukee Brewers and an invitation to drop the puck at the Take your Dog to the Admirals Game in April. The Make A Wish foundation has reached out, and on Thursday Emma served as “veterinarian for the day.”