Angela’s journey with therapy animals spans more than a decade of quiet dedication, emotional moments, and deep connection with the communities she serves. What began as a suggestion from a friend eventually became a long-standing commitment to bringing comfort through animals across Oxford County.
Her first therapy dog, a Great Dane–Shepherd mix named Riley, joined the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program at just four years old and served for many years. Riley quickly became known for his calm, grounding presence in places where people needed it most.
Later, Angela continued the work with Whiskey, a gentle Golden Retriever who followed in Riley’s pawsteps. Together, they visited long-term care homes, retirement facilities, police stations, and high schools, offering comfort during both everyday moments and times of emotional distress.
High schools in particular became meaningful spaces for both dogs. Students often gravitated toward them during stressful or emotional periods, finding comfort in simply sitting beside them or resting a hand on their fur. In moments of crisis or overwhelm, Riley and Whiskey often had a way of sensing who needed them most.
In one instance, Riley approached a visibly upset student in a school foyer and gently rested his head on the student’s lap. The simple act helped the student calm down enough to return to class — a moment that reflects the quiet impact therapy dogs can have without words or instruction.
At long-term care homes, visits became a steady source of joy and familiarity. Residents often looked forward to weekly visits, sometimes stretching beyond the intended time because connection and comfort mattered more than the clock.
Police station visits brought another dimension to the work. Initially unsure of what to expect, staff quickly came to value the presence of therapy dogs during demanding shifts. Over time, the dogs became a welcomed part of the environment — a brief pause in high-pressure days, and a reminder of calm and comfort.
Angela also saw how deeply these animals respond to human emotion. After especially intense visits, both Riley and Whiskey would often go home and rest, reflecting the emotional weight of the interactions they had absorbed throughout the day.
Beyond therapy dogs, Angela’s connection to animal-assisted support extends further. She has worked with horses in therapeutic settings as well, bringing similar comfort and connection to children through Sugar and TJ, her therapy horses.
After the loss of Whiskey at just seven years old, Angela’s journey with therapy animals continues forward. A new puppy is soon joining her home, with hopes that, in time, she may also follow in the footsteps of those who came before her.
Through years of experience, one thing has remained constant: the ability of animals to meet people exactly where they are — without judgment, expectation, or words.
