Hope's Therapy Dogs

24/04/2026

Some moments are too important not to share.

A child came to therapy recently needing space to process their grief. And Pippa, simply by being Pippa, seemed to know exactly what was needed.

She came close.
She offered cuddles.
She stayed near.

No fuss. No big moment. Just the quiet, beautiful comfort that she brings so naturally.

There are times when words are hard to find, especially for children carrying deep sadness. And while therapy is incredibly important, sometimes a dog’s closeness, warmth and gentle presence can reach a place that words alone just cannot.

Pippa has a very special intuition. She so often seems to know when a child needs comfort, and she offers it in the softest, safest way.

It was one of those moments that reminds us just how powerful this work can be.

Sometimes healing begins not with talking, but with feeling safe enough to be held in the silence.

24/04/2026

23/04/2026

Amazing to be part of this event. Thanks Maxwell Hodge Solicitors and Jane Reid not to mention San Carlos Restaurant for making me so welcome 🤗

22/04/2026

Jackson’s idea of building resilience tonight?

A proper tug of war by the fire with his Dad. 🔥🐶💪

And honestly… he’s got the right idea.

One of the things people don’t always realise is that our therapy dogs are not “working dogs” all day every day. Far from it. Being a therapy dog makes up only a very small part of their lives.

The rest of the time?
They are being spoiled in loving family homes, playing games, having walks, snoozing, pinching the best spots in the house, and enjoying life as normal happy dogs.

And that matters hugely.

It is because our dogs have such lovely, secure, joy-filled home lives that they have so much to give when they go to work. Their resilience is built through love, safety, play, rest and balance.

Jackson may support others in his role, but first and foremost, he gets to just be Jackson — loved, happy, playful and very serious about winning tug of war. 😊

That’s exactly how it should be.

20/04/2026

Rico really said, “Don’t worry everyone, I’ll set the tone here,” and then immediately rolled around like an absolute clown. 😄🐶

But behind the silliness is something really important.

A big part of our work with children who have experienced difficulties is helping them feel safe. And sometimes safety does not begin with serious words — sometimes it begins with laughter, play, and a dog being delightfully ridiculous.

When the environment feels safe and fun, children can begin to relax. Their shoulders drop. Their smiles come out. Trust starts to grow. And that is often what makes the deeper work of therapy possible.

Rico is very good at this part of the job.
Professional goofball.
Emotional regulation assistant.
Chief nonsense officer.

And somehow, in all that rolling around, he helps show children that this is a safe place to be themselves.

That matters more than people realise.

17/04/2026

Spring term finished and, quite frankly… so did I.

I worked very hard being adorable, calm, clever and professional, and then I fully committed to a well-earned sleep.

Being a therapy dog is important work, you know. There was comforting to do, games to play, children to support… it was a lot for one small Bedlington.

I then spent the end of term doing exactly what any hardworking professional would do: collapsing somewhere comfy and refusing further duties.

Love,
Jackson 🐾

14/04/2026

What a special day for Hope’s Therapy Dogs. 💜

Today we proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant, marking our commitment to supporting Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families through ethical, compassionate animal assisted intervention.

This is a huge milestone for us as an organisation and a moment of real celebration. We are incredibly honoured to stand alongside those who serve, those who have served, and the families who support them every step of the way.

It was a privilege to sign alongside Squadron Leader Kristopher Liam Bishop, with Kerry Anne Wilde officiating, at the Forces Transition Group Live Transition Day at the Concorde Conference Centre, Manchester Airport.

This moment reflects who we are, what we stand for, and the future we are building. We are so proud to play our part in bringing hope, healing, and meaningful support to the Forces community.

Thank you to John Stephenson - FTG, Jasmine Stephenson, Charlie Doyle and Mandy Stephenson for being part of such an important day.

13/04/2026

Behind the scenes today, one of our therapy dogs had a lovely game of tug of war with a resident at one of our venues.

It might look simple, but games like this are a great stress reliever for both resident and dog. They help release tension, encourage laughter, build connection, and create a calm, happy moment together.

11/04/2026

People think being a therapy dog is all deep thoughts and meaningful eye contact.

It is also, apparently, playing brilliant games like this because my handler understands that if I’m going to do an excellent job, I will need proper fun built into my schedule.

Frankly, I think this is what good management looks like.
Love, Truman 🐾

10/04/2026

Some children walk into the room carrying feelings they cannot name, explain or share.

Then, through the quiet skill of a trained therapist and the steady presence of a carefully trained dog, something begins to change. Walls come down. Words come. Trust grows.

And the breakthrough you see here? It is not rare. It is something we see time and time again.

This is why our work matters. Because every child deserves to be heard. 🐾

09/04/2026

A little behind the scenes from therapy dog life…

People often see us when we are calm and steady in sessions, but they do not always see the fun parts that help keep us happy and ready for the job.

Here I am playing “find it” with Tam. She does the encouraging. I do the important sniffing.

I am a gentle soul… but still very much a terrier, so naturally I like to stay busy.
Love, Jackson 🐾

06/04/2026

Happy 5th Birthday to Hope’s Therapy Dogs. 💜🐾

Five years ago, this began with one little dog, one enormous loss, and one determined promise that something good would come from heartbreak.

Since then, we’ve had the privilege of walking into schools, communities and workplaces and seeing lives changed in the most powerful ways. We’ve watched anxious children begin to relax, quiet children begin to speak, overwhelmed staff find comfort, and so many people experience the simple but extraordinary gift of connection through our dogs.

Along the way there has also been plenty of fun… muddy paws, waggy tails, stolen treats, soggy tennis balls and dogs who clearly think they are the main event. To be fair, they may have a point.

Building Hope’s Therapy Dogs has taken faith, resilience, courage and a real commitment to doing things well — for people and for dogs. I’m incredibly proud that five years on, we are still standing strong in the values that mattered from the very beginning: hope, healing, compassion, integrity and ethical practice.

Today we’re celebrating every life touched, every team member who has played a part, every dog who has worked so beautifully, and every supporter, school, partner and client who has believed in us.

Five years in, and it still feels like there is so much more ahead.
More hope to bring.
More lives to reach.
More healing to come.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Happy Birthday, Hope’s Therapy Dogs. 💜