Entries by Marie Gilmore

Therapy dog helps comfort teen during crisis

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – An Albany police officer with his therapy dog was instrumental in assisting a teenage girl – located on the roof of a three-story residence – where she stated she wanted to cause harm to herself by jumping. On August 5, Tuesday, around 2:15 p.m., Police responded to a home on the […]

Kids gain confidence reading to therapy dogs at Hingham Public Library

When 8-year-old Henry McDevitt first started reading to therapy dogs at Hingham Public Library four years ago, he didn’t know how to read, but he would tell the dogs stories and flip through the pages of his favorite Curious George books. Now he’s reading the seventh Harry Potter book, his mom Diana McDevitt, said. Although the Hingham […]

For the love of pets: Animals can teach children empathy

Did you know that teaching children empathy skills early in life can increase their confidence and help them better handle stressful situations? Empathy is critical to success throughout life and is a necessary component to developing positive relationships and building rewarding careers. Empathy leads to stronger relationships with people and animals, and helps prevent animal […]

Therapy dog helps school counselor reach students, comfort all at Chippewa Intermediate

DOYLESTOWN – As students and parents approach Chippewa Intermediate School on Tuesday mornings, they’re greeted not only by teachers and administrators but also a short and fuzzy companion. Inja, a 5-year-old goldendoodle, eagerly wags her tail as she stands next to her owner and handler, Krista Wenger-Lehman, and watches students enter the school. Don’t let Inja’s wagging tail and the smile on […]

Dogs of 9/11: Heroic canines combed debris, offered comfort

As America marks the 20th anniversary of the worst terror attack on United States soil, many remembered the countless lives lost and selfless acts by the brave responders on Sept. 11, 2001 — both human and canine. Nearly 3,000 people were killed when terrorist-piloted planes slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a […]

Therapy dog visits Lee Health staff to boost morale

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — In order to boost employee morale, staff at HealthPark Medical Center were comforted by a sweet therapy dog named Dorian. Dorian, a hospital-based community service dog at Golisano Children’s Hospital, was brought in to spread some love and joy to health care workers who have been hit hard by the pandemic. […]

From pandemic to wildfires, Bay Area therapy dogs support first responders on the frontlines

When Heidi Carman arrived at the Moscone Center in March, she didn’t bring proof of her eligibility to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Instead, she brought her 3-year-old, wispy-coated golden retriever named Kerith. The pair arrived at the thrumming epicenter of The City’s COVID operation to support the exhausted ranks of health-care workers and city employees. […]

Paws-itive Reinforcement: Assistance dog providing comfort at Children’s Listening Place

PARKERSBURG — A four-legged friend is proving to be a valuable asset to the clients and staff of The Children’s Listening Place. Creighton, an assistance dog, regularly visits the CLP with St. Marys resident Amanda Rubenstein. “When the two of them come through the door, the entire mood changes for the better in the center,” said […]

Veterans Can Train And Adopt Service Dogs Under A New Law Signed By Biden

A new program through the Department of Veterans Affairs aims to connect service dogs in training with veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder. The effort was years in the making and became a reality when President Biden signed the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act into law on Wednesday during a ceremony attended by a bipartisan […]

Biden signs U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act into law

Veterans could have greater access to therapy dogs and service dogs now, thanks to the passage of U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law Wednesday, three weeks after the Michigan representative’s bill passed in the U.S. Senate. The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act requires […]