Why I Do Therapy Dog Visits: Creating Connection Through Compassion

In a world that often feels hurried and disconnected, I’ve found something profoundly simple yet powerful: the healing presence of a dog. My journey into therapy dog work began with a desire to bring comfort, but it quickly became clear that what we were really offering was connection.

Each visit with Mabel, my beloved golden retriever, reminded me that people don’t just need companionship, they need to feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it was a gentle nudge from her nose, a soulful gaze, or the joyful wag of her tail, Mabel had a way of reaching people in places words couldn’t touch. She didn’t just walk into rooms; she walked into hearts.

We’ve visited universities, offices, churches, hospitals, care facilities, and community spaces, and every time, I’ve witnessed moments of transformation. Smiles return to faces that haven’t smiled in days. Stories are shared of past pets, of love, of loss. Tears are shed, and laughter bubbles up unexpectedly. These are sacred moments, and they remind me why we do this work.

Therapy dog visits aren’t just about petting a dog. They’re about creating a bridge between loneliness and belonging, between pain and comfort, between silence and story. Mabel taught me that unleashing connection doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up with a gentle spirit and an open heart.

As I continue this journey, now in honor of Mabel’s legacy, I carry forward her gift of presence. My hope is that through each visit, we can continue to build a community where healing begins with connection and where no one feels alone.

Sandy