01/28/2026
Volunteer Profile: Malkie & Tootsie
Many Sholom residents already know and love Malkie. Alongside her beloved therapy dog, Dolly, she became a familiar and comforting presence in our community. When Dolly passed away in September 2025, the loss was deeply felt. As Malkie shared, “It broke me a little bit. But, I knew I wanted to continue this work.”
With that in mind, Malkie intentionally looked to adopt a new dog with the right temperament to continue volunteering at Sholom in a skilled nursing setting. She adopted Tootsie in October and introduced her to Sholom soon after. At first, Tootsie was shy and fearful of wheelchairs and the busy environment. Just three months later, Malkie reports, “[Tootsie] drags me inside the building.”
Malkie’s connection to Sholom has also expanded beyond volunteering. After leaving her career as a teacher, she is now pursuing a career in social work. Because of the therapeutic nature of her work with Tootsie and Sholom residents, Malkie is able to complete her social work practicum at Sholom, continuing to learn and serve in a place that already feels like home.
Together, Malkie and Tootsie bring more than comfort and soft pets to Sholom residents. They offer a powerful sense of remembrance, helping residents reconnect with the pets they have loved throughout their lives. As Malkie puts it, “People love talking about their pets, the dogs, their cats, whatever it was. This gives them that remembrance, that affection that they had, and they're tapping back into that love. For people who are animal lovers, they're connecting back with that unconditional love that they have and it makes it real for them. It's a shot of endorphins.”
On behalf of everyone at Sholom, thank you, Malkie and Tootsie, for the joy, gentleness, and moments of remembrance you bring with every visit. Through the legacy of Dolly and the growing work of Tootsie, your presence continues to mean so much to our community. 🐾❤️
