Bay Area children who lost their mother to COVID-19 receive a puppy surprise from the community on the first anniversary of her death

EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. (KGO) — A family in East Palo Alto mourns the loss of a loved one who passed away a year ago today.

They needed a little happiness in their lives and the community stepped up in an incredibly touching way. ABC7 News was there for the big surprise.

An incredibly cute 10-week-old Goldendoodle puppy is now the newest member of the family.

She comes to this family, with all the necessary supplies, completely free of charge thanks to donations from Dillon Doodles and the community.

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It’s a beacon of hope for this family who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in one of the worst ways possible.

“This last year has literally been hell,” said grandmother Rowena Shaw. “They’ve suffered a great loss and they’re just raising their heads, if you will. And I knew it would make my daughters happy and even my grandson.”

The puppy arrives the day the family remembers losing their mother a year ago.

After always wanting a dog, Grandma Shaw worked with Dillon Doodles to provide a smile on such a difficult day.

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Dillon Doodles specializes in breeding and training dogs as great supportive companions for people who need them most.

Co-owner Janice Dillon says they give families dogs for different reasons and she hopes this little one can bring joy.

“I’m a nurse and I’ve spent the last two years, three years of COVID working in hospitals and seeing all the families the aftereffects brought,” Dillon said. “And so, that’s why it meant a lot to me, too.”

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The little pup was named “Whip Cream” at birth, but the family quickly came up with a fitting name for their new family member.

“There’s nothing like losing your mom or a parent at an early age, so I’m glad we got ‘Treasure’ and I’m happy for this day,” Shaw said.

Treasure is a reminder of the gift she is and will be for this family that has lost so much.

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