One local nonprofit is bringing in four-legged friends to help people in moments of struggle.
“Sometimes we’ll get a call saying, ‘This kiddo doesn’t want to talk without a dog,’” said Tammy Goddard, founder of Josie’s Journey. “So, we do whatever we can to quickly rush a dog down there.”
Goddard’s goldendoodle, Luna, regularly accompanies children who have experienced abuse during interviews and courtroom proceedings through a partnership with the Cortland County Child Advocacy Center.
It’s just one example of how Josie’s Journey uses canine companionship to intervene in moments of emotional distress from courtrooms and hospitals to airports and classrooms.
Founded in 2019, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit offers free, volunteer-run canine comfort sessions across central and upstate New York.
The organization focuses on crisis care: Bringing dogs to schools, health care centers and community spaces where stress, trauma or anxiety can be overwhelming.
A therapeutic presence
The emotional benefits of canine-assisted therapy are well-documented. A Frontiers in Veterinary Science report states short-term interactions with a therapy dog “can significantly reduce self-reported anxiety and distress levels.” For example, the report says, children navigate a stressful task with less stress when accompanied by a therapy dog compared to when alone, with a stuffed animal or parent.
“We know there’s some physical benefits to that, like lowering blood pressure,” Goddard said. “It’s a nonjudgmental presence. People do not feel judged by the dogs. It’s an unconditional love.”
Handlers with Josie’s Journey are trained to match dogs by temperament and situation.
For example, when they visit SUNY Cortland’s Child Care Center, they bring a different set of dogs to interact with preschoolers versus infants.
Dogs must pass basic obedience training and demonstrate a good temperament, though not all are formally certified as therapy dogs.
“Some of our dogs are certified therapy dogs, but I didn’t want that to be an absolute,” Goddard said. “We all know dogs that just love people, you know, who are loving and caring, but maybe don’t have that therapy dog certification – they still serve this purpose.”
Supporting a range of needs
Goddard noticed an increase in demand after the COVID-19 pandemic. She said more schools, hospitals and universities are requesting visits.
Events like “PAWS for Stress Relief” at SUNY Cortland are becoming more common, especially during exams or after traumatic incidents on school campuses.
“Our mission is to be there helping individuals, organizations, families, whoever it might be, during times of crisis or any traumatic events,” Goddard said. “But we also know that we’re just a big pick-me-up and a feel-good piece of our community.”
The group spends time in nursing homes and child care centers just to bring smiles. In addition, volunteers make regular visits to the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to help ease flight anxiety.
Volunteers and their motivations
The program is powered by local volunteers like Kathy Reynolds, who works with her goldendoodles, Sadie and Sophie.
“I’ve taken the dogs into memory care units, cancer treatment centers, psychiatric units,” Reynolds said. “It’s amazing to see the reactions of people. Their stress just being relieved, their body language completely changes.”
For Michelle and Dennis Nardi, the work is personal. Michelle, who previously worked at a hospital, had witnessed the power of therapy dogs firsthand.
The couple rescued Theo, their Bernese Mountain dog, when he was 5 months old, with the intention of training him to become a therapy dog.
“It’s really incredible to see the impact that the dogs can make on people and see somebody’s mood change in a moment,” Michelle said.
Megan Morgan, a special education teacher, said comfort dogs are especially helpful in classroom settings.
“I’ve watched how that can help kids settle down when they’re really upset,” she said. “As they pet the dogs, they relax.”
Looking to expand
Josie’s Journey currently operates within a one-hour radius of Cortland and is actively expanding.
The nonprofit is funded by small grants and donations, with all proceeds going toward training, certifications and supplies.
“We are always looking for new team members,” Goddard said. “We know the need is so great, and we want to grow to meet it.”
To request a visit, apply to volunteer or donate, visit josiesjourney.org.
