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Meet Our Team of Therapy Dogs
"Petting a dog and gazing into their eyes releases oxytocin (i.e. the 'love hormone') not only for you but for them as well." - author unknown
Our therapy dog team is led by Erika and Julie, with their dogs, Sutter, and Benji & Lucy. This fabulous team of dogs is making a positive difference for young people living with mental illness as they are now visiting facilities on a weekly basis, including youth and outpatient facilities, as well as schools in the areas. You can also catch them at many of our events around town!
Meet Sutter
Sutter is a four year old fox red labrador retriever. She has been working as a therapy dog for three years. She is excited to meet more dogs and people through Paws!
Meet Benji and Lucy
Benji (left) and Lucy (right) are both Australian Labradoodles and are the sweetest dogs in the world! They bring so much love to everyone they meet. They can't wait to work with Paws for Patrick with their handler, Julie.
Meet Gigi
Gigi is a 7 year old Bouvier des Flandres. She adores all people, especially kids. She has been involved in various therapy dog programs since she was 2 years old. Though she is 85 pounds, she still considers herself a lap dog and still behaves like a puppy. She and her handler, Katie, are excited to be a part of Paws for Patrick.
Meet Hudson
Hudson is a 100 lbs of LOVE. He will sit and snuggle with you for hours as long as you are petting him. He gets so happy to see people that he actually smiles :) Hudson is so excited to be a part of Paws for Patrick because he likes to make others feel happy, calm, and loved.
Meet Jax
Jax is a 2 year old Mini Goldendoodle. Jax is the sweetest and loves to cuddle and have his belly rubbed. Jax can never get too much attention and makes friends with everyone he meets. Jax is excited to be volunteering with Paws for Patrick with his handler, Jamie.
Meet Kylo
Kylo is a 3 year old mini bernedoodle. When he is not on therapy dog duty, his favorite things include cheese, naps, and being chased at the dog park. Kylo also does some Animal Assisted Therapy at the pediatric clinic where his handler, Taylor, works.
Meet Lexi
Lexi Rose is a 10 year old English yellow lab. She loves to be around people and wants to be pet all the time. She is so calm she borders on being comatose (but she is just enjoying her sweet dreams). 😉
Meet Maggie
Maggie, aka "Maggie Moo", is an adopted 2 year old Great Dane who loves to meet new people, especially children. Even though Maggie is a Great Dane, she thinks she's a "great" lap dog. She loves to snuggle, get pets and chase after soccer balls. Maggie is excited to be joining with her handler, Dana, a LCSW.
Meet Oliver, aka Ollie
Oliver, "Ollie", is a 5 yo Golden Retriever who is friendly to a fault and whose smile is infectious. He adores all people and his handler, Adriane, believes he was born to provide comfort & joy. Ollie enjoys belly rubs, snuggles, treats, walks, runs, & trips to the dog beach where he is the official greeter. He is excited to be part of P4P!
Meet Penny
Penny is a 10 year old Chocolate Lab. She has been a therapy dog since 2016 but is new to Paws for Patrick. She loves to cuddle and is a major lap dog. She spends most of her day begging for belly rubs.
Meet Sadie Belle
Sadie Belle is a 2.5 year old Australian Labradoodle. She loves to meet new people and show them her tricks. She and her handler, Chris, are excited to work with Paws for Patrick!
Meet Sofie
Sofie is a 4 year old Toy English Goldendoodle. She is the sweetest girl and loves to give kisses! She has a big sister Miley, a Standard English Goldendoodle, who is 13. She also has 3 human siblings that she loves a lot. Her favorite things to do is to take walks and lay in the sun.
Meet Indy
Indy was Patrick's puppy and was scheduled to go to college with him as his ESA. She has her handler, Fronzie, wrapped around her little paw. Indy is in Training to become a Therapy Dog however her own anxiety may prevent this from happening.
Meet Otis
Otis is an Australian Cattle Dog mix, and was adopted from the human society. His favorite things include playing outside and meeting new people. His handler, Ellie, is an LFHS alum and recently graduated with a masters degree in social work from UIC. Otis is working hard at his training and will hopefully be joining our team soon!
Meet Macy
Macy is a 6 yo Golden Doodle. Macy loves everyone. She likes to be with people and makes everyone feel special. Macy is working on completing her Therapy Dog certification. We hope for you to meet her soon!
Meet Finnegan
Finn was adopted from Wright-Way Rescue by his handler, Michelle. He loves treats and belly rubs! His favorite thing to do is to lay outside in the sun or take walks in the neighborhood. Finnegan is still working on his Therapy Dog training. Keep going Finn!
Meet Lulu and Heidi
When Heidi (right) isn't gazing at the birds or sniffing the flowers in the garden, she loves to chase the butterflies or watch dogs on TV. Her sister, Lulu is light as a feather and loves nothing more than to snuggle up to humans. Lulu & Heidi are both working on their training. Keep up the good work!
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