BLOG POST #23 – Hooray For Our Human Heroes

July 3, 2025
by KAREN LEE STEVENS

It should come as no surprise that our therapy dogs are experts in the art of the perfect cuddle, masters at calming down a classroom of wiggly children, and possibly the only beings who can get away with shedding on, well, just about everything. While our furry therapists usually get all the glory (and deservedly so — who can resist those puppy-dog eyes?), there is a special breed of unsung hero who makes it all possible: our incredible human therapy dog volunteers! They’re the devoted, inspiring, purple-t-shirt-clad folks who bring our happiness-spreading mission to life.

There’s no doubt that working with therapy dogs sounds like a dream job. And, in many ways, it is! You get endless canine cuddles, heart-melting gazes, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping the people who need it most. But behind every perfectly posed therapy dog photo, there is a group of volunteers, usually covered in a fine dusting of dog hair, often trying to simultaneously smile without giggling as a photographer squeaks a stuffed toy or makes meowing sounds to entice our dogs to look directly at the camera.

Our volunteers aren’t your average dog people; they are educators, seasoned professionals, parents, grandparents, and all-around super caring community members, all united by a shared desire to spread joy in this crazy world we live in. They’re the ones who spend hours training their pups to “leave it” when a dropped cookie is involved (trust me, it’s truly a monumental feat!). They patiently answer the same questions about their dog’s breed for the hundredth time: “Is that a goldendoodle?” “Actually, she’s a labradoodle.” “Oh, so a golden retriever mix?” Sigh.) They have mastered the art of the “poop-scoop-toss” with Olympic-level speed and discretion. And their pockets are often a fascinating archaeological dig site of treats, lint, poop bags, and the ever-present doggie “business card.”

Our volunteers are the ones who navigate bustling senior living care facilities, quiet libraries, and busy schools, all while keeping a watchful eye on their canine companion. They translate barks, anticipate tail wags, and intuitively know when their dog needs a water break or a moment of quiet contemplation, which usually involves sniffing something very interesting on the grass.

I’ve seen them in action. Heck, I’m one of them! I’ve witnessed the sheer dedication of a volunteer who seamlessly bends down to untangle a leash that has mysteriously wrapped itself around her leg three times, all while sharing a story about how her dog helped a shy child feel more confident about reading or brought a smile to a hospice patient who hadn’t smiled in weeks. I’ve also noticed the quiet pride in their eyes when their dog, despite the tempting smell of a peanut butter snack in a child’s backpack, performs a perfect “sit-stay” on command. These moments, often unglamorous, are the bedrock of our programs.

So, to our magnificent human volunteers: THANK YOU!

You are the crucial other half of the magic equation known as a Therapy Dog Team. While our furry companions may get all the glory (and most of the treats), it’s you — our devoted and inspiring unsung heroes — who give our dogs a voice, not through words, but through kindness, calm, and connection. Without you, our furry friends would just be very cute dogs looking for someone to pet them. But with you, they are healers, comforters, and bringers of immense hope and happiness.

You are treat-carriers, smile-makers, quiet listeners — and yes, leash-untanglers extraordinaire. You show up rain or shine, wearing your purple shirts proudly, with pockets full of treats and hearts full of love. And you remind us, time and again, that the world is a gentler, kinder place when people (and pups) show up with compassion.

And for that, we are eternally grateful.

If you would like to become one of our beloved volunteers, please reach out to us HERE. And share your thoughts and questions with Karen by emailing her at karen@therapydogssb.org