Login | January 31, 2025
Turning Point program therapy dog will be missed
Published: January 31, 2025
Judge Joy Malek Oldfield and the entire Turning Point Program is mourning the loss of their beloved Golden Retriever Therapy Dog “Tank” who passed away on Jan. 13 surrounded by the loving family that cared for him his entire life.
Tank joined Summit County Common Pleas Court Turning Point Program as a certified therapy dog in 2018 when he was 18 months old. Tank came from “Circle Tail” - an accredited organization that provides and trains service and hearing dogs.
Before joining the court, Tank went through several months of training through the Inmate/Canine Educational Training Program at Dayton Correctional Institution. For the last six years, Tank served the court as a faithful and dedicated Turning Point Team member.
On April 27, 2023, Tank was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. After surgery on May 9, 2023, Tank underwent multiple chemo-like injections and booster injections every three months.
After his Dec. 18, 2024 x-rays, bloodwork and booster injection, he became extremely lethargic and had a hard time eating. The oncologist believed it may have been a virus, due to his weak immune system and chemo.
Unfortunately, on Jan. 13 Tank’s vet completed updated x-rays that showed two new masses. One mass appeared in his stomach affecting his internal organs; and, the second mass appeared in his throat affecting his ability to eat and swallow.
With terminal cancer at his age and his quality of life quickly deteriorating, two more surgeries were not possible. Tank’s loving family had to make the difficult decision to say their final goodbyes.
When he passed and left this earth, Tank was surrounded by the loving family that cared for him his whole life, including his mom, best friend and constant companion Jillian Zetts.
Turning Point would like to thank the Graham Road Animal Hospital staff for their endless love and compassion and also Dr. Kline, for his kindness, which in turn, made difficult times bearable. We will forever be grateful for the lifelong support they gave to Tank.
His greatest passion was helping others. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Tank knew his signature lean, his gentle nudges for more pets, and his classic happy smile.
Tank provided exactly what the world needs - more happiness.
Tank was specifically dedicated to serving people in recovery and provided true support, love and companionship to those battling the disease of addiction. His impact on the Turning Point participants has been profound and he will truly be missed.