Hope's Therapy Dogs

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. 💜

02/04/2026

When people think of therapy dogs, they often picture calm cuddles and gentle moments.

What they don’t always picture is Truman absolutely belting through an agility tunnel while waiting for his next client. 😂

But this is important too.

Our dogs love their work, but they also need time to play, let off steam and just be dogs. That fun, freedom and balance is a huge part of keeping them happy and making sure they genuinely enjoy what they do.

A therapy dog who gets to have fun is a therapy dog who can keep doing their job well.

Truman, meanwhile, would like everyone to know he was not showing off.
He was simply conducting an important tunnel inspection. 🐾

01/04/2026

Pippa had a very demanding day today.

She arrived.
She was admired.
She accepted treats.
She played games.
She soaked up attention like the tiny furry celebrity she is.

Honestly, the bravery. The stamina. The commitment to the role. 😂

All jokes aside, seeing children relax, smile and engage through simple moments like these is always special. Pippa never seems to mind being at the centre of it all either.

31/03/2026

31/03/2026

A lovely trip to MediaCity today for an interview on BBC Radio Manchester.

I had the chance to talk all about Hope’s Therapy Dogs, the work we do, and why this kind of support matters so much for children and young people.

Even more special to be doing it alongside Alex James, supporting the NSDA.

Still slightly surreal when little old Hope’s Therapy Dogs ends up in places like this… but very, very thankful. 🐾💙

31/03/2026

Why does this work matter?

Because a child who was struggling to speak began talking to Pippa non-stop.

No pressure.
No big moment.
Just a child, a dog, and a space that felt safe enough for words to come.

That’s why we do what we do.

Sometimes children don’t need more demands. They need calm. They need connection. They need to feel safe. And sometimes, somehow, a dog helps make that possible.

We never take moments like that for granted. They matter deeply.