photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

Shakti gets a hug from her best buddy, Raven Rajani, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Liberty Hall.

Lawrence residents attended a little afternoon party Saturday at Liberty Hall to celebrate the life of Shakti, the therapy dog who’s often seen around town sporting a tutu and eliciting smiles.

Her orange, pink and red tutu was especially festive Saturday, and the smiles came as usual — but on this day with a special poignancy.

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

Shakti displays her party dress Saturday,, Jan. 25, 2025, at Liberty Hall.

As the Journal-World reported earlier this month, the nearly 14-year-old Staffordshire terrier has been diagnosed with cancer, and Shakti’s best buddy, Raven Rajani, intended the party as a celebration of her life.

As Shakti wandered around the main theater of Liberty Hall, people trickled in to give her pets and to share memories from her colorful past. Some brought peanut butter snacks and popcorn — a fitting tribute to the CEO (Chief Eating Officer) and longtime face of Loving Paws Animal Therapy Association.

Rajani, a Lawrence therapist, founded Loving Paws in her last year of graduate school at KU, and Shakti, a rescue pup who largely inspired the idea, became her first certified therapy dog.

In the years since, the two partners have worked to promote the human-animal bond and to provide therapeutic support for people in vulnerable circumstances. Shakti has given comfort to all kinds of people — from youngsters in school to older folks in nursing homes, cancer centers, rehab clinics, jails and many other settings. Along the way, the chunky little critter has acquired the nickname Shaktipotamus for her resemblance to a miniature hippo.

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

Shakti greeted her friends Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Liberty Hall. Some of them brought tasty treats.

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

Shakti enjoyed lots of affection Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Liberty Hall.

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

Shakti enjoys some movie theater popcorn Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Liberty Hall.

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

Shakti’s guests were able to leave memories of the therapy dog in a box Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Liberty Hall.

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

Shakti greets a party guest Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Liberty Hall.

photo by: Kim callahan/Journal-World

Shakti enjoys some head scratches Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Liberty Hall.

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

The movie screen at Liberty Hall featured a slideshow of Shakti Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.