A dog that was abused as a puppy is now bringing a healing effect to seniors in New Rochelle.

Tinsley is a 3-year-old, 25-pound white American Eskimo mix whose abuse as a puppy has not changed her calm nature. Tinsley is a certified Good Dog Foundation pet therapy dog. Once a month, owner Stephanie Bostaph takes Tinsley to the United Hebrew nursing home, a day she says Tinsley looks forward to.

Tinsley helps bring hope and healing to seniors dealing with dementia, despite having a rough start as a puppy.

Bostaph says Tinsley was about 5 months old when she was found on the side of the road in Tennessee. She says Tinsley was thrown from a car window and as a result lost her rear leg.

The seniors say they look forward to seeing Tinsley. Dorothy Dinapoli, of New Rochelle, says Tinsley reminds her of her favorite dog growing up.

Doctors at United Hebrew say research has shown pet therapy has powerful healing benefits for people with dementia.