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June 2025 | Fairfax, VA | Edition 18 | The Voice of Animal-Assisted Impact

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New York Post Health
Veterinarian warns against seemingly harmless activity with your dog — after massive parasite was found in woman’s pelvis

By Diana Bruk Published May 7, 2025, 8:04 a.m. ET

Rylynn

Facility Dog Rylynn Supports Fairfax County Children


Samantha Carrico, a George Mason University alumna and supervisor within Fairfax County's Department of Family Services, works alongside Rylynn, a five-year-old Labrador-golden retriever mix. Rylynn serves as a facility dog, providing comfort and support to children involved in child welfare cases. Their partnership exemplifies the positive impact of therapy animals in governmental support services. George Mason University

Fairfax Pets On Wheels

Fairfax Pets On Wheels Continues Community Outreach 


Fairfax Pets On Wheels (FPOW) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that connects pets with residents in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities throughout Fairfax County. Recognized by the American Kennel Club, FPOW's therapy animal teams contribute thousands of hours annually, enhancing the well-being of community members through pet therapy visits. Home - Fairfax Pets On Wheels, Inc.

Pet Therapy Program

Pet Therapy Program Aids Seniors with Dementia

A senior living community in Fairfax has introduced a pet visitation program aimed at assisting residents with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The initiative allows patients to interact with therapy animals, providing comfort and potentially improving cognitive engagement.  WUSA9

Washington, D.C. Metro Area Highlights

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D.C. Enacts Pet-Friendly Housing Legislation

In a significant move, Washington, D.C. passed the Pets in Housing Act (B25-0827), eliminating non-refundable pet fees, capping pet rent, and ending breed restrictions. Notably, the law establishes the city's first pet-friendly homeless shelter, recognizing the vital role of companion animals for residents, including those with ESAs. Humane World for Animals

People Animals Love (PAL) Expands Outreach

People Animals Love (PAL), a D.C.-based nonprofit, continues its mission to bring comfort through therapy dogs. Celebrated National Therapy Animal Day on April 30, PAL offers in-person and virtual programs across schools, hospitals, and senior centers in the region. People Animals Love

National Capital Therapy Dogs (NCTD) 
Hosts Upcoming Events

NCTD, serving the D.C. area, is set to host handler classes in June, aiming to certify more therapy dog teams to serve in hospitals, schools, and crisis centers. Their volunteer-based approach emphasizes community healing through animal-assisted activities. nctdinc.org

National Developments

Therapy Dogs Reduce Pediatric ER Anxiety

A clinical trial at Riley Children’s Hospital found that just 10 minutes with a therapy dog significantly reduced anxiety levels in children visiting the emergency room, highlighting the calming effect of therapy animals in medical settings. Science News

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Rochester, NY

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Nazareth University's Therapy Dog Program Expands Its Reach

Nazareth University's therapy dog initiative, featuring beloved canines Orion, Tilly, and Rosie, has become a cornerstone of campus life. Recognizing the program's success in providing comfort and stress relief to students, the university is exploring opportunities to extend these benefits to the broader community. Plans are underway to involve therapy dogs in local outreach programs to bring joy and support to individuals beyond the campus boundaries. Nazareth University | Rochester, NY 

Portland, Oregon


Therapy Dog Olivia Saves a Life 
Through Emergency Blood Donation

In a remarkable act of service, Olivia, a therapy dog at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in Portland, Oregon, donated blood to save a critically ill 5-month-old puppy named Jaxon. Jaxon was suffering from coagulopathy due to rodenticide poisoning, leading to life-threatening bleeding. Olivia's calm demeanor and compatible blood type made her an ideal donor. This act marked her sixteenth blood donation, highlighting the vital role therapy dogs can play beyond emotional support. People.com


Olivia photo
Jason photo
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Mother with the child

Pets, Partners, and Peace of Mind


      The below CNN feature explores how pets may boost emotional well-being even more than marriage.  

Now, fresh research finds most Americans would literally prefer their pet’s company to their partner’s when it’s time to unwind.   
 Read the New York Post take

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Pets could boost wellbeing as much as a wife or husband, study suggests

By Issy Ronald, CNN 3 minute read 
Published 6:27 AM EDT, Wed April 9, 2025

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New York Post Lifestyle

Most people prefer to spend time and de-stress with pets over partners, new research finds

By Georgie Kibel, News.com.au
Published May 16, 2025, 8:24 a.m. ET

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What to Do When You're Illegally Refused Entry with a Service Dog

It’s a scenario no handler wants to face: You arrive at a store, restaurant, or public venue—and you're stopped at the door. “No dogs allowed,” someone says, or worse, “We only allow service dogs with papers.” Your rights, and your dignity, are suddenly on the line.

Here’s what you need to know—and what you can do—when faced with an unlawful denial of access.

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New York Post Travel

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By Asia Grace
Published May 9, 2025, 10:27 a.m. ET

New home test can detect cancer — thanks to adorable puppies who sniff it out

By Diana Bruk
Published May 23, 2025, 9:37 a.m. ET

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AI Memorial Day 2025 

Memorial Day 2025
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Inspire Others

Would you be willing to share your experience with us? Your testimonial could help us spread awareness about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy and drive positive change, especially here in Fairfax, VA.

Learn more
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Board of Directors

Join a mission that’s changing lives! Canine Concierge invites passionate, visionary leaders to apply for our Board of Directors and help drive our transformative work in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT). As a Board of Directors member, you’ll have a unique opportunity to guide our nonprofit, shaping policies, programs, and partnerships that make therapy dog services accessible to hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers free of charge.

Learn more
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Social Media Management

At Canine Concierge Corporation, we believe in the healing power of therapy dogs and the difference they make in people’s lives. As a volunteer Social Media Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in amplifying our mission, reaching new audiences, and spreading comfort, joy, and emotional support to those who need it most.

Learn more
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01 May 2025

Edition 17

Discover last month's newsletter crafted to elevate your daily life. With superior quality and thoughtful design, it’s everything you’ve been looking for.

walkfortherapydogs.org

Paws for Purpose Fairfax Walk for Therapy Dogs logo
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A unique, pledge-based walk—akin to a 5K—supporting community mental wellness.

Walk With Us — Stepping Into Fall, September 2025

Participants, Pledges, Vendors, Sponsors, Guests

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