Alliance of Therapy Dogs - A National Pet Therapy Dogs Organization

Over the Rainbow Bridge

Over 35 Years of Sharing Smiles and Joy

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

As puppies we must grow and learn
To walk and sit and stay.
We learn to listen to our mom
We get to play and play.

When we are grown at least a year
We get to take the test.
We have to mind our P’s and Q’s
We have to do our best.

So, now we all are therapy dogs
Is it work or play?
We visit friends both old and new
All takers; come what may.

We visit on throughout the years
We do our job so well.
But age is catching up to us
Look close and you can tell.

It’s time for us to take a break
We’ll shed a canine tear.
Time to rest our weary paws,
Retirement time is near.

A time will come when we will pass
Many hours we did log.
Time to cross the Rainbow Bridge
A retired Therapy Dog.

—Sandy Peterson, Boise, ID

Toodles

Nancy L. Sleeper

Toodles

Nancy L. Sleeper

Approx. 7/25/12 - 3/18/26

Urbana, OH

Years of Service: 12½

Toodles was the best therapy dog, gentle and kind to everyone he met. Despite his beginnings as a stray, he had a remarkable temperament and a heart full of love. Well known throughout the community and beyond, he brought comfort, joy, and healing to countless lives of all ages.

Georgie

Carole Stevens

Georgie

Carole Stevens

9/10 - 3/19/26

San Diego, CA

Years of Service: 10

It’s with a heavy heart and saddened soul that I let you know my beloved sweet Georgie Porgie passed over the rainbow bridge. I adopted Georgie in September of 2015. He proudly wore his red heart 3 days a week. His sister Ginger carries on his work in his memory.

Colette

Phyllis Salyards

Colette

Phyllis Salyards

7/7/11 - 2/16/26

Hastings, NE

Years of Service: 11½

Our visits included elementary school reading, hospital, hospice, and nursing homes. She was extraordinarily intuitive in her approach to each child and patient, never evincing more interaction than a child wanted, yet always gently accepting their attention. We will always be grateful for the caring mission we shared with her.

Abby

Linda Wells

Abby

Linda Wells

9/4/14 - 3/9/26

Birmingham, MI

Years of Service: 9½

Bouvier des Flanders therapy dogs are rare. Abby was an extra special girl and an awesome therapy dog! She always loved the patients, nurses, children, seniors and families that she would visit. She was a gift and will be missed by many. We will always love you, Abby.

Zipper

Carol Jo Barger

Zipper

Carol Jo Barger

1/11/14 - 3/26/26

Punta Gorda, FL

Years of Service: 8

Zipper was a delightful, happy dog. He loved everyone he met. He really was a therapy dog to me, too! Whether he was at the library letting children read to him, or the airport, or assisted living facility, he shared his calm, loving personality. He is so missed.

Valentino

Jessica Ballas

Valentino

Jessica Ballas

11/29/18 - 5/14/26

Walnutport, PA

Years of Service: 6

Valentino was an angel to everyone he met. Gentle and sweet, he shined with positivity. He visited a safe house, community shelter, library reading program, a blind friend, and our local school district. Valentino brought stress relief and cheer to all. He touched so many lives and is deeply missed.

Raco

Barbara Shellenberger

Raco

Barbara Shellenberger

1/24/13 - 12/20/25

Arvada, CO

Years of Service: 7

Raco the Toy Fox Terrier worked on the DEN-CATS team (Denver International Airport). He loved his volunteer work with the “hoomans” and would pull me toward kids who were having a meltdown. Many parents thanked us for relieving their kids' stress. A little dog with a big heart. RIP Bug.

Duffy

Lisa Moeller

Duffy

Lisa Moeller

7/4/17 - 12/24/25

Iowa City, IA

Years of Service: 7

Duffy was my best friend and loved by everyone he met. His gentle spirit, calm presence, and unconditional love brought comfort and smiles to countless patients, students, and the community. He leaves a legacy of kindness and a reminder that the greatest healing often comes from a wagging tail.

Kelley

Judith Jones

Kelley

Judith Jones

12/15/12 - 6/16/26

Oviedo, FL

Years of Service: 5

Kelley was an ATD Member for about three years between 2014 and 2017. She was a therapy dog with another group until 2024 when she again belonged to ATD. She was a sweet, gentle golden retriever who loved everyone.

Annie

Linda Criswell

Annie

Linda Criswell

1/12/10 - 3/25/26

Mount Dora, FL

Years of Service: 2

Annie was a pound rescue and such a happy dog, always eager for the next thing - whether practicing her many tricks, going to the nursing home, or just greeting her friends in the neighborhood. She filled my life with joy.

Mollie

Cynthia Simmons

Mollie

Cynthia Simmons

4/26/17 - 6/23/26

Union Grove, AL

Years of Service: 6

Mollie, a rescued former stray, was the epitome of a good dog. She loved her ATD work, particularly with children in grief recovery. With the ATD vest on, she was ready for "work." Her hospice patients loved her as she was so patient with them. Godspeed, Mollie Moo.

Noah

Emily Gow

Noah

Emily Gow

4/12/16-4/14/26

Hamburg, NY

Years of Service: 9

Noah was a hard-working therapy dog and loved his job. He touched hundreds of hearts working as my co-therapist in outpatient mental health, private practice, adult day habitation, alcohol and drug recovery program, and walking many festivals and events around Buffalo. You will be in all our hearts forever.

Lady Liz Taylor

Elena Maldonado

Lady Liz Taylor

Elena Maldonado

11/03/13 - 6/19/26

Caguas, PR

Years of Service: 10

My Lady Liz Taylor was the sweetest dog I ever had. I´ll miss her very much.

Shadow Leonardo

Elena Maldonado

Shadow Leonardo

Elena Maldonado

5/11/10 - 6/23/26

Caguas, PR

Years of Service: 12

My Shadow was a wonderful dog; my best friend.

Emme

Noreen & Craig Lyman

Emme

Noreen & Craig Lyman

10/26/15 - 6/26/26

Edmond, OK

Years of Service: 9

Emme was a 10½-years-old Bernese Mountain Dog who was a certified therapy dog for over 9 years. Over the years, she made hundreds of visits to hospital staff, patients, students, teachers, special events, etc. Her gentle spirit and intuitive personality made her an exceptional therapy dog.

Dakota

Audrey Moen

Dakota

Audrey Moen

7/12/14 - 6/30/26

Wisconsin Dells, WI

Years of Service: 3

Dakota loved people. He knew exactly who needed his attention before I ever did. He was a bread loving, toilet paper snitching, golf cart riding kind of dude who never complained, always loyal right up to his last moments with us.

Bristol

Linda Ames

Bristol

Linda Ames

4/19/19 - 7/3/26

Kissimmee, FL

Years of Service: 5

Bristol was a beloved family dog, therapy dog and star of the Paws To Read library program. He brought back the joy of reading to students after Covid. He made children feel more confident around a big dog. I will cherish the memories always. I love you, Buddy.

Esco

Lori Glenn

Esco

Lori Glenn

8/3/16 - 6/21/26

Tampa, FL

Years of Service: 3

I’m very sad to report Esco passed on Father’s Day. He was very loved by his family and everyone. He enjoyed his time making so many happy during his visits over the last few years. He was a super good boy to all. We are heartbroken by his passing.

Tebow

Dyann Kramer

Tebow

Dyann Kramer

12/01/08 - 1/29/26

Wichita Falls, TX

Years of Service: 10

Whether listening to children read, greeting living facility residents, or comforting military personnel and college students, Tebow was always a crowd favorite. His soft eyes and friendly disposition endeared him to all. He brought smiles to the faces and joy to the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

Kato

Laura McClintock

Kato

Laura McClintock

8/14/15 - 7/7/26

Venetia, PA

Years of Service: 6

Kato passed away in July 2026, a month short of his 11th birthday, from cancer. As a certified therapy dog of six years, he had an extraordinary gift for bringing comfort, joy, happiness, and love to everyone he met.

CoHo

Renice Zimmerman

CoHo

Renice Zimmerman

8/21/17 - 5/16/26

Yorktown, VA

Years of Service: 7

CoHo was more than an accomplished Rottweiler - loyal partner, devoted working canine, and beloved companion. She dedicated her life to serving and supporting the military community with unwavering heart and purpose. Her achievements reflected her intelligence, discipline, and extraordinary temperament. Her steady presence, dedication, and the love she gave freely.

Dub

Neil Kugler

Dub

Neil Kugler

5/9/18 - 6/21/26

Sisters, OR

Years of Service: 1

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your wonderful program.

Nemo

Deborah Hale

Nemo

Deborah Hale

12/9/16 - 4/26/26

Rolla, MO

Years of Service: 7

Nemo had a smile on his face for every person he met and interacted with during his therapy dog visits. The last two years he visited our local hospital on a weekly basis. Before that he visited schools and care facilities.

Jesse

Kim Cesal

Jesse

Kim Cesal

9/16/16 - 6/26/26

Phoenix, AZ

Years of Service: 1

Our chivalrous Cavalier, Jesse, always had a radiant smile for everyone he met at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix. His soul reflected unconditional love, gentleness, and acceptance. He is forever imprinted on our hearts.

Ripley

Lisa Yan

Ripley

Lisa Yan

12/1/11 - 3/16/26

Fairview, PA

Years of Service: 7

Ripley was my heart dog, and I miss her every day. She brought so much joy to many people with her visits, even at the end - riding along in her wagon, she made people smile in costume. Thank you, ATD, for giving her a "job."

Dash

Lisa Yan

Dash

Lisa Yan

9/1/11 - 10/1/25

Fairview, PA

Years of Service: 8

Dash loved kids. School libraries were her favorite visits, and she brought so much joy to their day. After her "job" she would run and run and run. We miss her.

Frodo

Judith Marx

Frodo

Judith Marx

12/25/14 - 7/31/26

West Bloomfield, MI

Years of Service: 9

Frodo was a gentle, friendly Goldendoodle who enjoyed meeting new people. He brought smiles to hundreds of individuals from young children to seniors. He was a particular favorite in assisted living homes in both Michigan and California, where he and his owners spent the winter.

Lucy

Karen & Kevin Clark

Lucy

Karen & Kevin Clark

2/11/15 - 6/12/26

Stillwater, OK

Years of Service: 10

Lucy greeted everyone with a smile and a tail wag wherever she went. She especially loved her visits on the Oklahoma State University campus, where she was eager to do her part in helping students, faculty and staff, and did so for more than 10 years.

Elwood

Craig Lin

Elwood

Craig Lin

7/3/14 - 7/14/26

West Bloomfield, MI

Years of Service: 10

Elwood was a terrible puppy (LOL) and a became an amazing adult. He was loved by all and almost a celebrity about town. His lumbering disposition made him a hit at therapy visits.

Luna

Tammy Carlone

Luna

Tammy Carlone

4/1/17 - 5/22/26

Howell, MI

Years of Service: 8

Luna was a beautiful Samoyed that brought love to students, seniors, and people with special needs for eight years. She passed away at age 9 after battling pneumonia for two months. She left behind her loving Mom Tammy, 1-year-old daughter Luka and Luka's Daddy Koda. Many people miss her terribly.

Grace

Lee Fernholz

Grace

Lee Fernholz

12/10/13 - 8/11/26

Colorado Springs, CO

Years of Service: 12

Grace was a rescue from the Colorado Correctional K-9 program. I adopted her when she was 5 months. She was a therapy dog with the Red Cross, St. Francis Hospital and El Paso County Courthouse. She also was a HOPE Animal Crisis Response dog for 10 years, deploying to disasters.

Nugget

Barbara Marshall

Nugget

Barbara Marshall

6/16/26 - 8/11/26

Chelsea, MI

Years of Service: 9

Nugget was our third therapy dog who loved her job for over eight and a half years, bringing smiles and joy to people in retirement communities, the elementary school, the library and the hospital. She was full of joy and will remain in our hearts forever.

Bella

Barbara Marshall

Bella

Barbara Marshall

5/12/13 - 8/29/26

Chelsea, MI

Years of Service: 11

Bella was the most chilled lab we ever owned, and she was a remarkable therapy dog for 11 years. She was adored by the kids at school and at the library. She could “sense” what patients needed at the hospital and retirement communities. She will be missed by so many!

Everest

Lisa Priest

Everest

Lisa Priest

2/7/18 - 7/18/26

Capron, IL

Years of Service: 6

Everest was my best friend and my rock. Everyone loved his split face and that he was tall enough to pet easily from their bed. Everest did Rally, kayaking, camping and traveling with me everywhere. I had him eight years and that wasn’t enough time. I miss him every day.

Cubbie Bear

Nancy Smith

Cubbie Bear

Nancy Smith

5/1/16 - 8/20/26

Freeport, IL

Years of Service: 2

Cubbie was not active in therapy dog program in 2026. He became very ill in mid-June and had surgery in mid-July. While recovering from surgery, he suffered from secondary issues. He crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.

Murphy

Karen Tiemeier

Murphy

Karen Tiemeier

6/1/23 - 8/1/26

Lone Tree, CO

Years of Service: 1

Murphy was a Samoyed/Husky mix. He had a beautiful white coat, curly tail, and the bluest eyes you ever saw. He was the calmest dog I have ever had. He loved visiting the hospital and especially loved interacting with the staff as they surrounded him and loved on him.

Mya

Laura MacArthur

Mya

Laura MacArthur

12/20/18 - 8/24/26

Fripp Island, SC

Years of Service: 4

Mya was a true gentle giant - just as kind and loving as she was beautiful.

Zabava Neva

Janet Browne

Zabava Neva

Janet Browne

6/14/15 - 7/28/26

Wichita Falls, TX

Years of Service: 8

Neva was always eager to make therapy visits and would stay as long as anyone wanted to interact with - or needed to pet - a dog. In her several years as a certified member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Neva completed more than 1,000 documented visits!

Bambaroo

Mary Alice Loeffler

Bambaroo

Mary Alice Loeffler

12/23/10 - 8/18/26

Coopersburg, PA

Years of Service: 12

Bambaroo was a beautiful soul who loved bringing smile to others. She was a kind fun loving girl. She will be greatly missed in our pack, but remembered deeply in our hearts for the girl she was.

Wilson

Judy Burr

Wilson

Judy Burr

6/30/09 - 3/16/26

Mt. Laurel, NJ

Years of Service: 15

He was rescued at five months from an Arkansas kill shelter. He was awarded an International Literacy Association scholarship, funding supplies for 15 joyful years of library, school and camp programs. His Facebook tribute posted by Mt. Laurel Library has received over 15,000 visits. Wilson's successor will have a big job.

Charlie

Dave Foss

Charlie

Dave Foss

6/16/14 - 8/28/26

Boulder, CO

Years of Service: 9

“Sweet puppy needs a good home. Golden Retriever mix named Charlie.” With that email introduction, our 12-year journey of unwavering love and constant companionship began. Whenever someone smiled and made eye contact with her, she immediately had a new best friend. She never met a stranger.

Max

Charles Rowland

Max

Charles Rowland

6/2/17 - 7/7/26

Venice, FL

Years of Service: 5½

Max passed over the Rainbow Bridge on July 7, 2026. He was an amazing therapy dog.

Noah

Joanne Moore

Noah

Joanne Moore

6/26/15 - 8/16/26

Saint Petersburg, FL

Years of Service: 9

My wonderful therapy dog passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Noah was 11 years old and loved as a therapy dog for nine years. He brought joy to hospitals, assisted living, and was an ambassador dog for Dogs Inc., Palmetto, FL. He will be remembered lovingly and missed by so many.

Memorial Submissions

It’s never easy to say goodbye to your therapy dog. The memorable connections, smiles and joy they brought made a difference. Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) wants to highlight these dedicated pets. We will publish profiles recognizing their service to ATD on our website. Submit to the ATD Office via the “Contact Us” form on the ATD website found here, Contact Us – Alliance of Therapy Dogs and select “Over the Rainbow Submission.” In addition to a photo of your dog, you will include the dog’s name, owner’s name, city and state, date of birth, date of death, years of service, and a brief summary (less than 50 words) about the pet’s special qualities. “Over the Rainbow Bridge” submissions will be updated quarterly.

Over the Rainbow Bridge

Over 35 Years of Sharing Smiles and Joy

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Memorial Submissions

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