Roxy Therapy Dogs Turns 20!
It began in 2005 with one human, one dog, in one classroom. There was no Roxy™ Therapy Dogs organization, just one woman, Diane Smith, and her very well-behaved Boykin Spaniel named Roxy. With the blessing of the school principal at Gayman Elementary, Diane brought Roxy to her son’s classroom. Diane’s goal then was to train Roxy to visit nursing homes.
Good News Travels Fast
The impact their visits had on the students was profound, and almost immediately, other teachers requested a dog for their classrooms. There was one problem – there were no other dogs! So, Diane enlisted a few of her friends with equally well-behaved dogs and things took off from there. The dogs then became certified therapy dogs, and Roxy Therapy Dogs was born.
It was clear from the outset that Roxy's mission should be to comfort and support children, and to this day, that remains our mission.
Roxy Grows and Grows
In a few years, Roxy teams visited several Central Bucks School District schools.
Soon, the Honorable Judge Mellon requested the formation of a program to visit children in Dependency Court at the Bucks County Courthouse.
Roxy Therapy Dogs receives an award from Judge Mellon.
Next, Roxy teams were requested to comfort children in healthcare settings. Our volunteers visit children at Pedia Manor, a group home for children who are too medically fragile to live in their own homes. Roxy volunteers also visited the pediatric wing at Doylestown Hospital and were the only dogs allowed in that wing while it was in operation.
Nike and her friend at Pedia Manor.
Now Roxy Serves 3,200 Children Per Week
Today, Roxy is proud to have over 70 volunteer teams and 30 volunteers without dogs with six programs to comfort and support children.
Roxy™ Reading: Elementary School Reading Inspiration
Secondary School Stress Relief
Roxy Therapy Dogs remains an all-volunteer, donation-dependent, non-profit. We do this wonderful work without being paid by any individual, organization, or venue. Our services are free to children who need the companionship of a great listener with warm fur and a wet nose.
With the continued support of our incredible donors, we look forward to serving the children in our community for another 20 years.
