In summer 2009, Shelley stopped by her local shelter in Princeton, NJ, in search of a new companion. “I had just lost my dog and was looking for a large, friendly dog to adopt,” she said. “The staff showed me the dogs they thought I might like, but there wasn't a match. Then they brought […]

Sundance of Chicago CGC had an exciting summer adventure when he served as ring bearer at the wedding of his owner Andrea Tamillo of Chicago, IL, to Kevin Butts. The wedding was held in Vail, CO, and Sundance, a Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, was extremely well-mannered and a huge hit at the ceremony, Andrea reports. […]

Susan Smith of Bordentown, NJ, shares this special story of her mixed-breed, Charm, who has overcome many obstacles to earn the highest honor in AKC Rally. Today, Charm Princess Jewell Smith RAE THD CGC, is healthy, happy and also making others happy through her work as a therapy dog. Charm is a  member of the […]

Training Your Dog to Be a Therapy Dog The AKC GoodDog! Helpline receives frequent inquiries about how to train dogs for therapy work. GDH Trainer Christie Canfield conducts therapy visits with her dog and also teaches therapy dog classes. She tells us the “who, what, when and how” of making a therapy dog. Because of […]

Ginger was a shelter puppy, on the red-list alert for euthanasia, before Laurene adopted her. Ginger, now 4 years old, and Laurene love to hike, run, and train for obedience. In only three years of competing, Ginger has earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen award, AKC Rally Excellent (RE) title, and gone through the highest […]

Turbo is a member of the AKC Canine Partners program for all dogs, including mixed-breed dogs. His formal name is Turbo-Nadir CD BN GN RAE CGCA and he is an accomplished AKC Obedience & Rally competitor, who also holds the AKC Canine Good Citizen-Advanced title. But after hours his favorite thing is going hiking with owner […]

Annebolyn NA NAJ CGC owned by Marlene Groman of Aiken, SC Photos by Phyllis Easley Annebolyn, also known as Annie, is a rescued mixed-breed. When Marlene adopted her she was "all skin and bones, had no hair, and was flea infested." Thanks to Marlene's love and care, Annie is now healthy, in good weight and […]

Bellarina CGC, also known as just Bella, discovered water over the summer, says her owner Debra Savarese of Polk City, FL. She had her first experience at Key Largo (photo above) and then had a cute encounter with water while on vacation at Tybee Island, GA. Bella is a member of the AKC Canine Partners […]

This is the talented shelter dog turned inspirational Therapy Dog and International Trick Dog Champion!  Noodles the Wonder Dog, a mixed-breed dog, is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen and entertains around the country to promote rescue. Learn more about Noodles at https://www.facebook.com/NoodlesTheWonderDog Rescue dogs, like Noodles, can be part of AKC events and sports through the […]

Bella is an 8-year-old rescue Miniature Schnauzer that Eileen adopted from the Kent County SPCA. Bella has brought countless hours of love and enjoyment to Eileen and also hundreds of other people through her therapy dog visits. She has earned the AKC Therapy Dog Excellent title for making more than 200 visits and also has […]