Max, Molly, Manfred, Maggie, Rey (Golden-Pitt, Rescue/1), Zuri (Australian Labradoodle/7), Doe (Australian Cobberdog/4) & Doogie (Cockapoo/15), Houston, TX

When my daughter was five years old she was hospitalized in California in a body cast. She of course was cranky, and I was exhausted. I can still remember the moment clearly when a beautiful Golden Retriever walked into the room and jumped on the bed to cuddle with her. Her mood changed and I had a new direction.

As a nurse myself, I had never seen or heard of therapy dogs. The idea that animals could visit the hospital and offer some distraction and love to people was an amazing concept to me and something I just HAD to do.

Jump forward many years and that is exactly what I do with my two girls Zuri and Doe. They visit hospitals, schools, businesses and just about anywhere that a little love is needed.

The stories I can tell - from the little boy who was attacked by a dog days before our visit to the hospital who worked through his fears and ended up playing with 6 dogs, to the teenage boy hiding behind his hoodie that would not participate in any group sessions that ended up cuddling with our dogs hoodie down and talking, to the 100’s of children who needed their day brightened post Hurricane Harvey…the stories go on and on.

I am so thankful to be able to share my dogs in such an incredible way spreading love and happiness to our community. It brings us so much joy and we are praying to be back at it soon! @doethecobberdog