Therapy Dogs United

07/28/2025

Week 4.

Meet Amee, a social worker whose story truly embodies the essence of what our dogs bring to those we visit—healing and recovery through the incredible power of the paw.

Therapy Dogs United M.D. Program:
At Therapy Dogs United, we often refer to our M.D. Program as our "Doggie Howser, M.D. Dogs." This innovative program for healthcare facilities has been making significant inroads in the medical community, all thanks to the tireless efforts made by our certified therapy dog teams who work in collaboration with countless medical professionals.

Our certified therapy dog teams visit patients receiving chemotherapy, recuperating from an illness or injury, and even those waiting in an Emergency Room lobby. Our therapy dogs are always ready to be a friend to anyone in need, and can assist with:

Distraction from daily or planned medical treatment
Mobility through physical interaction
Improved communication and self-interaction with hospital staff
Improved overall well-being and mental stability
Relief from boredom and stress
Friendship, comfort and support
https://www.eriegives.org/

07/22/2025

Therapy Dogs in Education.

This week, we’re highlighting our educational programs that utilize therapy dogs in various ways. From our "Tutors with a Tail" program, where certified therapy dogs help children improve their reading skills, and our "PACKS Program," which promotes responsible pet ownership and teaches dog bite prevention, to our "Companion Dogs," which focus on reducing stress in the classroom, these initiatives make a meaningful impact in schools.

Our "Tutors with a Tail" program is an alternative reading program for early readers, struggling readers (Title 1), children with dyslexia or students learning English as a second language. Studies have proven that reading to a therapy dog can be less intimidating than reading to a human. Reading to a certified therapy dog can provide an instant sense of calm because our dogs have "non-judgmental ears." Our dogs don't mind if a child mispronounces a word or is slow to read - we just love to sit by and enjoy a good book!

The PACKS Program (Prevent Attacks with Care, Kindness, and Safety) is an educational initiative focused on promoting responsible pet ownership and fostering compassion for animals. It includes a specialized effort in animal communication and dog bite prevention to teach children how to safely approach dogs. The program aims to reduce dog-bite injuries and emotional scars in kids. Therapy dogs visit schools to support these lessons, and Therapy Dogs United has an interactive exhibit at the Erie Children's Museum to help teach these valuable skills to the Erie community.

Stress reduction in schools: Spending time with therapy dogs has been proven to lower stress and encourage relaxation. Having a dog in the school environment can create a soothing atmosphere, making it easier for students to handle stress—especially during exam days!

07/14/2025

Last week, we highlighted our executive director and founder, Patricia Christianson, who shared stories about how TDU started in 2008. We also featured TDU volunteer, Mary - also known as Lily's handler - who recounted their journey of becoming part of the pack!

This week, we're turning our attention to mental health awareness, exploring how therapy dogs have been observed, utilized, and studied by community professionals to enhance mood and well-being!

Did you know that Therapy Dogs from Therapy Dogs United are used in individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, addiction therapy, inpatient and partial hospitalization sessions, grief groups, by school guidance counselors, at mental health days, wellness fairs, residential treatment centers, crisis treatment centers, and more? Visit our website to learn more about our programs and see how we can offer a helping paw to you or a loved one in need. www.therapydogsunited.org

07/07/2025

Six Weeks - Six Stories.

Erie Gives Day 2025 is just six weeks away! In 2024, we created a testimonial video to showcase our impact and share it with you—our loyal donors, supporters, and followers.

Each week leading up to the big day, we’ll share a clip from our testimonial video, highlighting a life that has been positively impacted by a therapy dog from Therapy Dogs United.

Each year, Therapy Dogs United is grateful to receive donations from our generous supporters in Erie and across the U.S. on Erie Gives Day. Thank you for continuously supporting our mission! We hope to see you on August 12th - https://www.eriegives.org/

06/25/2025

We hope to see you at our Yappy Hour event this Friday June 27th from 5:30-7:00pm!
This event is open to the public and 100% of the proceeds from the basket raffle and all donations benefit Therapy Dogs United.
All good natured dogs on a leash are welcome to join us at this outdoor event.

06/24/2025

We hope to see you at our Yappy Hour event this Friday June 27th from 5:30-7:00pm!
This event is open to the public and 100% of the proceeds from the basket raffle and all donations benefit Therapy Dogs United. All good natured dogs on a leash are welcome to join us at this outdoor event.

04/30/2025

https://www.zazzle.com/store/therapydogsunited

Therapy Dogs United merchandise is now available for in state and out-of-state volunteers and friends of TDU!

Our online store is through the platform Zazzle and has a very large variety of items to choose from - items range from clothing to bags to gear specifically for the dog!

Navigating our Merch site:

1. We have 6 collections to choose from: TDU Polos (these will be embroidered with our standard logo), Therapy Dogs United (silkscreened standard logo) gear, “Team TDU” silkscreened gear, “Dogs Supporting People” silkscreened gear, TDU Pawprint Logo silkscreened gear, TDU Block Logo silkscreened gear, TDU Merch (merch for the home or on the go), and For the Dog (gear specifically for the dog!)

2. You can scroll down on the homepage to find our 6 collections

3. You can click the “collections” tab to find our individual items

4. You can change the color, size and fit of most of the items you choose (you do not have to stick with the standard white or grey!)

5. When ordering a colored silkscreened item we do recommend choosing the Vivid Printing: White Under base option.

6. Zazzle often runs sitewide discounts - be sure to check the site for the current discount code and add the code at checkout!

7. Proceeds from TDU Merch supports our programs!

02/18/2025

🎨 🍷 🍫 🐕
Come paint with the amazing artist Linda Daugherty Holes and Therpy Dogs United at this year's Wine on the Lake being held this Saturday, February 22nd at the Bayfront Convention Center.

Linda will provide step-by-step instructions on how to paint the art below while you paint along and sip exclusive wines, sample chocolate and pet therapy dogs!

🎨 🍷 🍫 🐕

To sign up, you must purchase a ticket to attend Wine on the Lake at https://wineonthelake.com - and - purchase a workshop ADD ON ticket to Lucky Crane Studios Workshop.

You can also pay for this workshop as a walk in with a credit card, or cash while at Wine on the Lake, room 120. Partial workshop tickets benefit Therapy Dogs United.

Painting workshop times available during:
WINE ON THE LAKE AFTERNOON SESSION:

12:30 pm to 1 pm

1:30 pm to 2 pm

2:30 pm to 3 pm

3:30 pm to 4 pm

WINE ON THE LAKE EVENING SESSION:

5:30 pm to 6 pm

6:30 pm to 7 pm

7:30 pm to 8 pm

8:30 pm to 9 pm

02/18/2025

❗️ Save the Date!! Spring Bingo ❗️

March 22nd at Polish Falcons 3rd Street Nest 610, Erie Pa. Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us!

This year’s proceeds will benefit Therapy Dogs United.

02/11/2025

Everyone loves Bingo! Please let us know if you'd like to reserve a table at this event!

❗️ Save the Date!! Spring Bingo ❗️

March 22nd at Polish Falcons 3rd Street Nest 610, Erie Pa. Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us!

This year’s proceeds will benefit Therapy Dogs United.

12/03/2024

This Giving Tuesday, consider making a donation to Therapy Dogs United, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals through the power of therapy dogs. These trained canines provide emotional support and companionship in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and mental health facilities. Your contribution helps enhance the well-being of those who need it most. Join us in spreading joy and comfort.

11/20/2024