Like a Cloud: A Therapy Dog Poem by Cynthia

Sometimes, the impact of a therapy dog is best captured not in numbers, but in poetry.

Cynthia, a thoughtful young girl in one of our Paws for Resilience groups, recently surprised her volunteers, Joanne and Carly, with something truly special: a heartfelt poem about York, the big Golden Retriever who visits her each week. York isn’t just a therapy dog to Cynthia – he’s a source of comfort, connection, and joy. Her poem is a beautiful glimpse into the powerful bond that can form between a child and a compassionate animal:

York makes me feel like a cloud
He makes me feel like nothing can turn me down

And he is like a big colorful cloud
He is the most cutest thing
He tunes in to others’ emotions

York is an important part in my life
He is kind to others
He greets you
He blooms like a flower
He is so kind
I think he is just like a bumblebee
He is the best dog ever

I love you, York

It’s hard not to smile while reading Cynthia’s words. What’s even more moving is hearing her talk about it herself. In our recent video that highlights this group of students in our Paws for Resilience Program, an ABC visit, and a Community Support Visit, Cynthia shares why York inspired her to put her feelings into poetry. [Watch the video here.]

The Paws for Resilience program is designed to help children build trust, self-awareness, and coping skills – all through the healing power of therapy animals and the steady support of trained volunteers. With children who have experienced trauma or face other challenges, these moments of connection can become the foundation for real emotional growth.

Support from funders like UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona makes stories like Cynthia’s possible. With their generous partnership, Gabriel’s Angels has been able to provide additional training for our Therapy Teams, including trauma-informed care, age-appropriate communication, and structured, supportive group activities. These enhancements help ensure our volunteers are prepared to meet children where they are, offering not just a visit, but a true connection.

This story is just one piece of what their funding supports. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan also helps make possible our other programs that bring pet therapy to children in shelters, schools, after-school programs, and more. Because of them – and because of you! – we can continue creating spaces where children feel safe, heard, and inspired to write poems about big, fluffy therapy pups.

Thank you for believing in this work. And thank you, Cynthia, for reminding us what love, kindness, and connection really look like.

Therapy Dog Team-Up: An Unexpected Connection Brings Double the Love

Written by Amanda Shain on January 24, 2025. Posted in Love Unconditionally.

Therapy Dog Team-Up: An Unexpected Connection Brings Double the Love

It started as a typical pet therapy visit for George and Therapy Dog Tralee. They had made similar visits to behavioral health centers before, and although emotionally challenging at times, they were always up to the task.

Tralee’s soft, feathery coat would brush against outstretched hands as the kids shared stories about their lives at home. The gentle swish of her wagging tail always sets a soothing rhythm in the room, helping her new friends enjoy a moment of peace during a difficult time in their young lives.

But on this particular visit, one of the boys asked George a new and very hopeful question. Did she know a dog named Bindi?

She did! Bindi and her owner, Diane, also volunteer with Gabriel’s Angels. Diane even helped George and Tralee to become a registered Pet Therapy Team.

The boy then shared that he had met Bindi at a different location and enjoyed visiting with her very much. Was there any way that she could come visit him here?

After the visit, George reached out to Diane and told her about the big impression Bindi had made on one of the kids at the center, then she shared his request. Diane didn’t need any convincing, she was in.

A Therapy Dog Team-Up

The days ticked by and it was finally time for the next visit. What could be better for a kid staying in a treatment center than having time with a beautiful Therapy Dog? Having time to visit with TWO beautiful Therapy Dogs! When they walked into the room, George with Tralee, and Diane with curly-coated Bindi, the joy and excitement was electric.

But for one boy in particular, it was more. It showed that these adults in his life were listening, really listening, and that they cared. It was evidence that during this difficult time in his life, he had support and connection to help him find his way through the challenges. “It was a lovely experience,” Diane shared. “He lit up when he saw her.”

An Ongoing Partnership

Since that first collaboration, George and Diane have made their partnership a regular part of visiting the behavioral treatment center. The kids there eagerly anticipate the duo’s visits, which now have double the unconditional puppy love to go around. As this resilient group works to overcome the challenges facing their mental health, it’s a difficult time in their lives. Being in this center means being away from home, away from family, and the dogs offer a very welcoming form of connection.

By working together, George and Diane have created a richer, more supportive environment for these kids to begin healing, reminding them that they are seen, valued, and loved.

At Gabriel’s Angels, we believe in the healing power of pets and the strength of collaboration. Diane, George, Bindi, and Tralee exemplify how kindness and empathy can multiply when shared.

If you’re inspired by this story and want to help us expand our mission, please don’t hesitate to get involved. Together, we can continue to create life-changing moments for children in need—one paw, one smile, and one partnership at a time.