Great Pyrenees therapy dogs are are showing up all over. In schools and hospitals, at all kinds of events and even wakes, Great Pyrenees therapy dogs are making everyone feel better. Anyone who’s looked into the calm, all-knowing eyes of a Great Pyrenees understands their value and the connection people make with them. We’re proud of these dogs, adopted from NGPR and other Great Pyrenees rescues, who have found rewarding jobs helping others.
Brûlée, formerly Boomer, came to NGPR about a year ago from a busy Tennessee shelter where he was picked up as a stray. He was young, 1 ½ years old, and extremely underweight. He only had a short stay with Kim, his Tennessee foster before heading up to his adopters in Connecticut. When he arrived there, he quickly revealed his gift as a psychiatric service dog. Now he is the beloved unofficial mascot of a PK–12 school. He comforts students, teachers, and preschoolers alike—spreading calm and joy. Brûlée’s gentle presence makes every school day a little brighter.
Colby and Sky were picked up as strays in Mobile, Al. They are NGPR alumni and now therapy dogs in Florida. Our volunteer, Nancy, fostered them. Nancy’s friend Jill fell in love with Sky and adopted her so Sky and Coby could continue their friendship. As therapy dogs, they visit an assisted living facility, a library, and an elementary school, where first graders read to the dogs weekly. The dogs enjoy their job and are ready for a nap when they get home!
Lilah and her four littermates came into NGPR in May of 2022 from Kentucky. They had been locked in a filthy kennel by a backyard breeder who didn’t want them anymore. The pups were transported to Michigan and fostered by Jennifer, who has cared for an amazing 45 puppies for NGPR. Soon after Lilah was adopted by a family in Michigan. Not long her first birthday, she was evaluated and registered as a therapy dog with Pet Partners. Since then, she has brought comfort and smiles to hundreds of people at hospitals, K12 schools, and colleges. Lilah has an amazing ability to know when someone is sad or lonely. She is truly the gift that keeps giving.
Luca was rescued in 2023 by NGPR from a Pennsylvania farm after his breeder passed away. He arrived in New Jersey dirty, matted and underweight with Lyme disease. He was afraid to come indoors—scared of all flooring, doors and steps. But despite this, he exhibited the right personality for a therapy dog when he lay on the floor, allowing children to use him as a body pillow. Luca completed a 5-week training and was registered with The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. Since then he has been to schools, colleges, nursing homes, libraries and countless other places. Everyone is always surprised by his size, his beautiful coat and his large paws. But mostly they can’t help falling in love with his sweet and very special loving soul.
Howard was called Harkin and had Heartworm and Lyme Disease when NGPR rescued him in Kentucky in February 2021. He quickly overcame his rough start in life to become a registered therapy dog in Ohio. Howard has spent over three years as a therapy dog and really gets around. He brings comfort and joy on visits to schools, hospitals, senior living centers, a cancer center and community events. Gentle and calm, Howard has a special gift for lifting spirits wherever he goes. When he’s not working, he enjoys camping with his humans, short walks to the couch, endless snuggles, and whatever tasty treats he can wrangle.
Sweet Norbert is deaf. He and his brothers were rescued from the side of the road with the help of Great Pyrenees Rescue of Central Illinois. Norbert was adopted and then returned because of his hearing disability. In a way, he’s self-taught—he was able to pickup on the hand and verbal commands used with a diabetic-alert Golden. Now living in Tennessee, he applies his skills with nonverbal communication to working with kids in group therapy. Norbert loves everyone and every thing and has been regularly requested to visit nursing homes because he is so slow and gentle.
Sophie (was Reba, adopted in 2021) has brought comfort to many people and sick kiddos in Michigan. Her specialty is the pediatric emergency department where she comforts many small children though exams and needle sticks. She has an exceptional soft spot for special needs teens and will pull to go to them. Sophie is one of the few dogs allowed to visit the psychiatric hold unit as well—she knows just what to do to help everyone out. It’s pretty magical to see her calm down a nonverbal 16-year old with aggression issues.
Tucker and Poppy in Ohio are both NGPR alumni and certified pet therapy dogs through Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association. Pam, their Mom, has been doing pet therapy for over twenty years with Pyrs and Pyr mixes. Tucker and Poppy hang out with kids at school to make the day more fun, go to colleges to soothe students during exams, visit the local Ronald McDonald House and hang out at local libraries. They get invited to special events and as a testament to their healing power, have even been asked to provide emotional support at wakes.
Normandy (left) is a therapy dog in Georgia whose training was funded by the Shultz Foundation. He fulfills his mission of comfort and connection by attending VFW events, welcoming veterans home and offering calm companionship to those who have served. Normandy also visits nursing homes, schools and libraries bringing comfort and connection to everyone he meets. His presence sparks joy, eases loneliness and reminds us that rescue is just the beginning for some dogs who are destined to do more.
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