Animal-Assisted Programming at A Dream Called Hope
Animal-Assisted Support Services:
Our program dogs are an integral part of a structured, trauma-informed residential environment designed to promote emotional regulation, connection, safety, and overall well-being. Through positive interactions with our resident support dogs, youth have opportunities to develop trust, practice healthy relationships, improve communication skills, and strengthen coping strategies. The human-animal bond can provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support while helping youth build resilience and confidence. Interactions with our program dogs may assist residents in practicing mindfulness, reducing stress, developing empathy, and creating opportunities for positive social engagement within the residential setting.
Potential Benefits May Include:
• Improved emotional regulation
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Increased engagement in daily activities
• Development of trust and healthy relationships
• Enhanced social and communication skills
• Greater self-confidence and self-esteem
• Opportunities to practice responsibility, empathy, and compassion
• Increased feelings of safety, comfort, and connection
Participation in animal-assisted activities is individualized and based on resident needs, safety considerations, program structure, and staff supervision.
Meet The Dogs
Meet: Juice
Juice is a German Shepherd and Husky mix born on October 20, 2019. He is known for his independent personality, playful spirit, and his unique love of rocks. If there is a rock nearby, chances are Juice has already claimed it. He loves carrying them around, tossing them into the air, and proudly showing them off to anyone willing to admire his collection. The bigger the rock, the happier he is. His Husky side shines through in these quirky behaviors, making him a favorite among both youth and staff. Recently, Juice faced one of the greatest challenges of his life when he was diagnosed with Megaesophagus, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. What followed was a difficult journey filled with uncertainty, adjustments, and determination. Through extensive care, patience, and an incredible fighting spirit, Juice worked hard to regain his strength and quality of life. His resilience throughout this process has been nothing short of inspiring. Today, Juice serves as part of our Animal-Assisted Services program, where his calm presence, gentle nature, and remarkable story help create meaningful connections with youth. His journey demonstrates perseverance, hope, and the ability to overcome obstacles, making him more than just a companion—he is a living example of resilience and recovery. Whether he's comforting a youth, exploring the yard, or proudly carrying a rock that's far too big for him, Juice reminds us every day that strength comes in many forms and that challenges can be overcome with support, determination, and hope.
Meet Jhett
Jhett is a Belgian Malinois born on December 30, 2020. While many people associate his breed with high energy and intelligence, those who know Jhett best know him as a giant cuddle bug. His favorite place to be is right next to someone or preferably touching them. Whether he's leaning against your leg, laying at your feet, or curling up beside you, Jhett thrives on connection and companionship. Jhett has a loving, affectionate personality and enjoys spending time with people of all ages. He naturally seeks out opportunities to provide comfort and is always eager to be part of whatever is happening around him. His gentle and caring nature helps create a sense of safety and connection for those he interacts with. Like many individuals, Jhett has his own challenges. He experiences separation anxiety and struggles when he is away from the people he loves. Through patience, structure, consistency, and support, Jhett continues to work through these feelings and build confidence. His journey reminds us that it is okay to struggle with anxiety and that growth often happens when we feel supported and understood. As part of our Animal-Assisted Services program, Jhett helps youth learn about emotional regulation, healthy attachment, trust, and the importance of relationships. His affectionate nature and ability to connect with others make him a valued companion and a powerful example that everyone faces challenges, and everyone deserves support while working through them. Whether he is offering comfort during a difficult moment or simply finding the closest person to cuddle with, Jhett brings warmth, connection, and unconditional acceptance wherever he goes.
Meet: Sonny
Sonny is a Golden Retriever born on November 8, 2025. As the youngest member of our Animal-Assisted Services team, Sonny is still a puppy and currently participating in ongoing training. Because of his training schedule, he is not at the home every day like Juice and Jhett, but when Sonny visits, he brings an energy and excitement that is impossible to miss.
Like most Golden Retrievers, Sonny loves people and thrives on interaction. He is happiest when playing fetch, exploring his surroundings, and making new friends. He also has a special talent for finding any food that happens to hit the floor, making him a very enthusiastic cleanup crew member. When playtime is over, Sonny enjoys curling up next to people, laying across their lap, and taking a well-earned nap. As a young dog, Sonny is still learning and growing every day. His training journey allows youth to see firsthand that learning new skills takes patience, consistency, and practice. He demonstrates that mistakes are a natural part of growth and that progress comes through encouragement and perseverance. Through Animal-Assisted Services, Sonny brings joy, laughter, and opportunities for connection. His playful personality encourages engagement, physical activity, social interaction, and positive experiences. Whether he is chasing a ball, looking for a snack, or falling asleep on someone's lap, Sonny has a way of brightening the day and reminding everyone to enjoy the simple moments. With his endless enthusiasm, loving nature, and eagerness to learn, Sonny represents the power of growth, optimism, and unconditional companionship.
Pictures of the Dogs in Action
Clinically Integrated Care
At A Dream Called Hope, our Animal-Assisted Support Program is built upon a foundation of trauma-informed care, structure, and meaningful connection. Interactions with our resident support dogs are incorporated into the residential environment to help promote emotional regulation, social engagement, and overall well-being. Our program dogs are integrated into daily life within the home and provide opportunities for youth to practice healthy relationship skills, develop trust, build confidence, and experience positive connections in a safe and supportive setting. Staff provide appropriate supervision to ensure that interactions remain safe, purposeful, and beneficial for both residents and animals. The human-animal bond can offer comfort, companionship, and a sense of emotional safety, particularly for youth who have experienced trauma or disrupted relationships. Through structured activities and natural interactions, residents may develop increased self-awareness, empathy, communication skills, and coping strategies that support their overall treatment goals. Animal-assisted activities are individualized based on resident needs, interests, safety considerations, and program appropriateness. Participation is intended to complement the broader residential experience by fostering connection, responsibility, resilience, and personal growth within a supportive therapeutic environment.
The Path to Healing
Animal-assisted experiences are integrated into our residential program to provide additional support for youth navigating complex emotional challenges. Our trauma-informed approach helps ensure that interactions with our program dogs are structured, supervised, and focused on promoting a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.
Participation in animal-assisted activities is individualized and based on resident needs, safety considerations, program structure, and staff supervision.
Potential Benefits May Include:
• Reduced feelings of stress and anxiety during challenging situations
• Improved emotional awareness and ability to express feelings in a supportive environment
• Increased engagement in daily program activities and positive interactions with others
• Enhanced development of empathy, compassion, and social connection with peers and staff
• Reduced feelings of loneliness through the companionship of our program dogs
• Increased confidence, responsibility, and participation in daily residential routines
• Opportunities to practice self-regulation and coping skills in everyday settings
• Greater sense of comfort, safety, and belonging within the residential environment