On Marie Swanson’s darkest days, she turns to her English Mastiff for comfort.

Hank, affectionately known as ‘Hank the Tank,’ was a just a puppy when her daughter, 33-year-old Gina Swanson, was murdered. When the pain felt paralyzing, it was Hank who inspired Swanson to get out of bed in the morning.

“There’s nothing like it on earth. It’s just not the natural order of things for a child to go before a parent,” Swanson said.

Swanson’s husband found his daughter Gina Swanson’s body in her Fort Garry home in May 2011. Her body was bound and stabbed.

In March, a jury convicted Schuyler Van Wissen guilty of first-degree murder Gina Swanson’s death. Van Wissen was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole in 25 years but he is now appealing that decision.

Hank, the five-year-old, 282 lb. dog who requires a ramp to get in and out of the trunk of Swanson’s Subaru, has been by Swanson’s side through the murder, the investigation and the trial.

The two go everywhere together. She calls him her ‘soulmate,’ a giant slobbering dog who’s become a mother’s giant emotional pillow.

“It doesn’t matter what you say. They’ll sit and listen to you. And they’ll still just look up at you and it’s just fine,” Swanson said.

Hank recently graduated from the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Now Swanson takes him to Riverwood Square’s senior residence once a week to cast his charm on seniors, many of whom are living with dementia.

As soon as Hank arrives the seniors gather to pet him, talk with him, and even try to shake his paw.

“I’ve never seen a dog like this before,” one of them said with excitement.

Staff at Riverwood Square said Hank helps spark childhood memories among dementia patients. He also helps them socialize.

“I didn’t know he’d be such a big hit,” Swanson said smiling, “I think (Gina) would want me to find some purpose. And she’d be happy with it, because she was a real animal lover too.”