Meet our pack!

Ruby

Ruby has been visiting as a Therapy Dog for many years. Ruby is a Wheaten Terrier and Poodle mix (A Whoodle). She enjoys chasing balls… and occasionally squirrels and bunnies. Ruby enjoys her visits as a Therapy Dog so much that during pandemic restrictions, she started approaching people on the street to say hello.

Tango

Tango is a Red Merle Australian Shepherd. This breed needs a job to do and she found hers with the KW Therapy Dog Program. She also loves to kayak, catch a frisbee and hike in the forest. Tango is gentle and patient with the new friends she meets at long term care facilities, schools and WRPS interviews.

Barnabas

Barnabas is a Labradoodle. He is an incredibly affectionate boy who loves people (and other dogs!). He also loves water and once he goes in, it’s nearly impossible to get him out! He lends his comfort and cuddles as a KW Therapy Dog to the WRPS team and also campus visits, with a history of retirement home visits as well. He loves his volunteer job and when it’s “time to go to work” he’s always gives it his best.

Chloe

Chloe is an affectionate Toy Poodle. She loves the seniors she visits and is a big hit with the young people she works with as well. She adores “runs of joy” in the backyard and is very attached to her stuffies, especially “Giraffe” who has been by her side since she was 2 months old.

Bailey

Bailey is a Chocolate Lab. Bailey loves to chase the ball when he is not enjoying time with residents at Long Term Care or visiting on campus.

Janie

Hi! I’m Janie Willow with the almond eyes. My parents were both therapy dogs. I was a rascally puppy but turned into lovely, gentle old soul emphatic girl. But… don’t let that fool you. I am a very fast runner, swimmer girl and am ball obsessed! There’s something about Janie!

Lou

Lou is a Schnoodle (a Schnauzer/Poodle mix) who is new to the pack. She has been a “people dog” her whole life – joining the KW Therapy Dog team was a natural next step for her. Lou has big brown eyes and a gentle-but-curious personality. She loves going new places and connecting with new friends (especially her friends at Winston Park Retirement Community). In her daily life, Lou loves long walks with her dog brother Higgins, watching squirrels, and cuddling under blankets. Lou hates when it rains and is very fussy about getting her feet wet!

Oakley

Oakley is a Golden Retriever. He loves meeting new people and bringing smiles and laughter to all those who cross his path. When he’s not volunteering, he enjoys being outdoors, retrieving bumpers, swimming, and competing in conformation, rally, obedience, and field trials.

Bella

Bella is a loving Toy Poodle who has lots of cuddles and kisses to share. She has a gentle nature and is instantly endearing to all she meets. New this year to the SJA Program, she enjoys her visits in a retirement home; loves campus visits and is well known as a friendly visitor at Freeport Hospital and South Fleet EMS.

Therapy Dogs Make a Difference!

Therapy Dogs reduce loneliness and isolation and promote a relaxation response.

Therapy Dogs reduce stress for patients undergoing medical care, victims of crime and university students at exam time.

Therapy Dogs can help children with exceptionalities or children that need support learning to read.

Therapy Dogs provide comfort, promote a feeling of safety and stimulate conversation.