Spreading Joy, One Puppy Snuggle at a Time

Lately, I’ve been thinking about training Stanley to be a service dog — or maybe a therapy dog. I didn’t plan on it when I adopted him, but the more we go out together, the more it feels like the right path.

Everywhere we go, Stanley brings smiles.

• At the chiropractor’s office, I met a man who recently lost his dog. He was quiet at first, but as he pet Stanley and we talked about rescues, his whole demeanor softened. Sharing Stanley with him felt incredibly meaningful.

• At a local store, one woman nearly cried as she got the chance to snuggle him — something about his tiny body and calm nature just got to her.

• At town hall, he became an instant celebrity. The women behind the counter lit up, eager to share stories of their own dogs.

Stanley may be small, but the joy he brings is huge.

I love seeing the way people connect with him. It’s more than just “he’s cute” — there’s something healing about the way he climbs into a lap or presses into someone’s chest with total trust. It reminds people of their own pets, their memories, and their capacity to love.

That’s why I’m seriously considering training him to be a certified therapy dog. I want to visit nursing homes, hospitals, anywhere he can bring comfort. If there’s a way to do that, we’re going to figure it out.

He’s brought so much love into my life already — I’d love to help him share that with others.

He’s brought so much love into my life already — I’d love to help him share that with others.

Would you be interested in following Stanley’s journey if I start training him to become a therapy or service dog? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences with therapy animals!