Meet our pack!

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.

Max

Max is a Portuguese Water Dog. He is a sweet and very affectionate boy. He loves to swim and go for walks. Max gets very excited to go to work when he puts on his KW Therapy Dog bandana. He enjoys visiting patients at Freeport Hospital and Grand River Hospital as well as being a part of the WRPS support team.

Davey

Davey is a Beagle/Basset mix. He was previously a hunting dog from Kentucky and was rescued by his Canadian family just before the pandemic. Davey became a KW Therapy Dog in 2022 and enjoys regular visits to seniors homes, hospitals, colleges, and universities. Davey is a sweet boy and loves attention. Once you’ve heard his beautiful singing voice you’ll never forget it! Awwhooo!

Ivan

Ivan is a Chinese Crested. For our family, he is the best thing that came out of the COVID pandemic! When Ivan sees his red KW Therapy Dog uniform, he knows he is going to work. He loves everyone we visit at the Long Term Care facility. Ivan’s hair has to be “on point” and he becomes dramatic if he gets his feet wet!

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.

Molly

Molly, a Golden Retriever – Bernese Mountain cross, has been doing therapy visits since early 2023. As soon as her handler puts on his visiting shirt, she is by the door ready to visit at Forest Heights LTC, the Children’s and Adolescent’s In-Patient Psychiatric Unit at Grand River Hospital, or the special needs classroom at Westheights Public School. When she is not doing therapy visits she is out on long walks in the woods or at home watching the squirrels and chipmunks through the window.

Rudy

Rudy is a Mini Labradoodle. He loves his KW Therapy Dog visits to hospitals, schools, and Bankside Terrace Retirement Residence. His permanent grin makes people smile. Rudy often asks for belly rubs. At home, Rudy enjoys greeting violin students that are guests in our home, and helping his human raise National Service Dogs. He has had training in Obedience, Agility and Rally Obedience.

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.