Meet Our Experts

  • A fluffy black and tan dog with a red bow on its head lying on a brick porch, facing the camera with its tongue slightly out and wearing a collar with a tag.

    Izzy

    HANDLER: Meg

    BIRTH DATE: 9/8/22

    BREED: Golden Mountain Doodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Belly rubs, hiking on trails, running, going to the beach, meeting new people, eating treats

    FAVORITE TREAT: Peanut butter and sweet potato

    FUN FACT: “I select my hairbow every day by myself!”

  • Close-up of a happy Golden Retriever with pink tongue out, in an indoor setting.

    Sophie

    HANDLER: Jackie

    BIRTH DATE: 6/7/21

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Fetching her bumper toy

    FAVORITE TREAT: Chicken

    FAVORITE TRICK: Bringing water bottles to people on command

    FUN FACT: Will only fall asleep if her favorite animal is in her mouth

  • Black dog standing on a wooden platform near a lake with trees in the background.

    Dash

    HANDLERS: Stephanie and Ryan

    BIRTH DATE: 6/19/19

    BREED: Labrador Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Swimming

    FAVORITE TREAT: Blueberries

    FAVORITE TRICK: Spin

    FUN FACT: Did someone say car ride!? Dash loves going for car rides!

  • A brown dog with amber eyes lying on grass under a red structure, resting its head on the ground and looking towards the camera.

    Carmela

    HANDLER: Casey and Caroline

    BIRTH DATE: 8/8/24

    BREED: Chocolate Lab

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Spying on the neighbors, going for hikes, sunbathing and eating hotdogs at Bark in the Park!

    FAVORITE TREAT: Smelling salts (aka freeze dried minnows)

    FUN FACT: I was named after Carmela Soprano from The Sopranos!

  • A dog with curly brown and white fur, wearing a pink harness, standing outdoors on a wooden platform in a forest with autumn foliage. The dog has its tongue out and looks happy.

    Khloe

    HANDLER: Luisa

    BIRTH DATE: 5/14/24

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Play games like tag and fetch and cuddling

    FAVORITE TREAT: Steak, Pepperoni, Eggs. Pupperoni sticks

    FUN FACT: Khloe was rescued on Valentine’s Day, she was adopted on her 1st birthday, and Khloe became a therapy dog a year after being rescued.

  • A brown dog with a yellow bandana sitting on dirty ground with leaves, in front of a brick wall and tree trunk.

    Yasushi

    HANDLER: Marissa

    BIRTH DATE: 10/13/24

    BREED: Doberman Pinscher

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Cuddling, sleeping, loving, and being loved

    FAVORITE TREAT: Broccoli

    FUN FACT: Yasushi means “a samurai of peace” in Japanese!

  • Golden retriever dog with tongue out sitting on hardwood floor next to green plush toy and white blanket in room.

    Moses

    HANDLER: Wendy

    BIRTH DATE: 07/09/22

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Frisbee, walks, hiking, coffee dates

    FAVORITE TREAT: Pup cup

    FUN FACT: Moses is our “foster fail”- we are so lucky we got him!

  • A happy golden retriever wearing a red shirt with a white heart logo, outdoors in a field with mountains and trees in the background.

    Oliver

    HANDLER: Kathy

    BIRTH DATE: 06/15/14

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Tug, nap, and getting his photo taken

    FAVORITE TREAT: Watermelon

    FUN FACT: He loves stuffed animals!

  • Close-up of a cute, fluffy dog with curly beige fur and a bandana in stars and stripes pattern outdoors with greenery and a cloudy sky.

    Sailor

    HANDLER: Rita

    BIRTH DATE: 11/14/19

    BREED: Australian Labradoodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Snuggling and wave jumping

    FAVORITE TREAT: Steak

    FAVORITE TRICK: “Ahoy” and “Selfie”

    FUN FACT: Sailor has several AKC trick titles and loves to jump rope!

  • A light-colored, fluffy dog lying on green grass near a river, with trees and cloudy sky in the background.

    Bella

    HANDLER: Nabil

    BIRTH DATE: 11/14/16

    BREED: Australian Labradoodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: “Search & Find It” games and agility

    FAVORITE TREAT: Bacon and Chick-fil-A

    FAVORITE TRICK: She can read!!!

    FUN FACT: She will only drink COLD water

  • A brown curly coated dog resting on a red fabric surface with a window and beige walls in the background.

    Poppy

    HANDLER: Courtney

    BIRTH DATE: 02/02/19

    BREED: Mini Double Doodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Getting pets and massages, running around Gigi’s farm, sunbathing

    FAVORITE TREAT: Cod or salmon skin

    FUN FACT: Poppy was the “demand of the dog park” (Bridgerton) at our former apartment complex

  • A curly-haired brown dog standing on a beige patterned rug in a living room, with furniture and decorations in the background.

    Bailey

    HANDLER: Earl

    BIRTH DATE: 5/5/23

    BREED: Australian Cobberdog

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Playing with other dogs, long walks, tug with toy

    FAVORITE TREAT: Dehydrated sweet potatoes

    FUN FACT: Bailey was born in Canada!

  • A Belgian Sheepdog with a long black coat, erect ears, and expressive eyes, standing outdoors in a park with trees and colorful foliage in the background.

    KITT

    HANDLER: Sandra

    BIRTH DATE: 09/29/14

    BREED: Belgian Tervuren

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Retrieving balls, chewing sticks, agility, and monitoring the door for Chewy boxes

    FUN FACT: Ten kids and four grandkids. AKC Grand Champion in conformation; Rally title. His registered name is Shumaker Hills Knight’s Tale!

  • Dalmatian dog wearing a red bandana with a white logo on a wooden deck outdoors.

    Archie

    HANDLER: Steve aka Dad

    BIRTH DATE: Adopted July 2025 from Galax VA Shelter

    BREED: Dalmation

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Dissecting toys for their squeakers

    FAVORITE TREAT: Kibble mixed with Cheese

    FUN FACT: Archie sleeps upside down with his feet in the air

  • Golden retriever dog sitting in front of a butterfly mural on a gray wall, with a red leash attached to its collar.

    Dug

    HANDLER: Jess

    BIRTH DATE: 04/23/19

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Getting brushed, walks, and cuddles

    FAVORITE TREAT: Green beans

    FUN FACT: I was named after the dog from the movie “Up”

  • Close-up of a large, tan-colored dog with a black nose and wrinkles, wearing a harness with a blue collar, panting with tongue out, against a bright blue sky with a few clouds.

    Beau

    HANDLER: Neal

    BIRTH DATE: 01/15/21

    BREED: English Mastiff

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Playing with bubbles

    FAVORITE TREAT: Not picky

    FAVORITE TRICK: Will shake on command when wet

    FUN FACT: He weighs 225 lbs!

  • A happy black curly-haired dog wearing a red and white shirt, sitting on grass with a wooden fence in the background.

    Pepper

    HANDLER: Kurt

    BIRTH DATE: 8/7/17

    BREED: Standard Poodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Sleeping, car rides, and walks

    FAVORITE TREAT: Steak

    FUN FACT: When she was young, she would jump in her mom’s car window if it was down

  • Close-up of a happy golden retriever dog with tongue out, standing on green grass in a backyard on a sunny day.

    Clarabelle

    HANDLER: Lissy and Carly

    BIRTH DATE: 10/16/21

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Stealing shoes and digging holes

    FAVORITE TREAT: Liver dog treats

    BEST FRIENDS: Cody and Charlotte

    OTHER FAVORITES: giving kisses, snuggling, waking up her humans, visiting the hospital, playing with her neighborhood dog friends

  • A black and white dog walking on a path outdoors with greenery, water, and buildings in the background.

    Flint

    HANDLER: Marian

    BIRTH DATE: 5/8/21

    BREED: Newfoundland (Labrador)

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Fetch, helping dad, and naps on the dock

    FAVORITE TREAT: Seafood

    FUN FACT: My favorite book is Treasure Island (with Pirate Captain Flint)

  • Golden retriever puppy wearing a birthday hat and bandana, sitting in front of a pink birthday backdrop with colorful bunting and a cartoon bear illustration.

    Maggie

    HANDLER: Kerrie & Chris

    BIRTH DATE: 4/16/19

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITITY: Jumping into the lake to catch tennis balls

    FAVORITE TREAT: Ice Cream

    FUN FACT: Takes her stuffed animal dog on a parade around the house every night after dinner.

  • A golden retriever dog sitting on a park bench, wearing a patriotic bandana and carrying a tote bag with a dog reading a book logo.

    Dolly

    HANDLER: Heather

    BIRTH DATE: 10/13/19

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Reading with others and chasing waves on the beach

    FAVORITE TREAT: Bananas

    FUN FACT: Dolly is a great listener and knows how to read a few words!

  • Golden retriever dog sitting on wooden floor, wearing a red and white checkered bowtie, near a stove and a black chair.

    Huck

    HANDLER: John and Heather

    BIRTH DATE: 12/25/23

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Huck loves to make people smile. He loves to run, chase a tennis ball, and steal socks

    FAVORITE TREAT: Peanut Butter

    FUN FACT: Huck is a clown! His favorite thing to do is grab a shoe or sock and have the family chasing him

  • A small bulldog with a brindle coat, sitting on a wooden floor next to a beige couch. The dog has a pink collar with a bone-shaped tag that says 'Lily' and is looking at the camera with one eye winking.

    Lily

    HANDLER: Karen

    BIRTH DATE: 8/17/19

    BREED: French Bulldog

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Chasing golf balls

    FAVORITE TREAT: Ice cubes

    FAVORITE TRICK: Getting belly rubs

    FUN FACT: A true couch potato! Loves to lay around and watch TV. Mostly animal shows

  • A French Bulldog sitting on a rug indoors, looking at the camera with a slightly tilted head and its tongue slightly sticking out.

    Louie

    HANDLER: Amy and Mila

    BIRTH DATE: 03/17/22

    BREED: French Bulldog

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Agility training

    FAVORITE TREAT: Bacon

    FAVORITE TRICK: Snuggling in warm laundry

    FUN FACT: Louie loves taking bubble baths and sitting in hot tubs.

  • Small dog wearing a red vest with a patch that reads "Dogs with a Purpose," sitting on a carpeted floor.

    Tuffy

    HANDLER: Kelly

    BIRTH DATE: 01/30/19

    BREED: Shih Tzu

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Admiring the beautiful dog in the mirror

    FAVORITE TREAT: Yak Cheese

    FUN FACT: Tuffy likes to sleep with a toy touching her head so she can play the minute she wakes up!

  • A happy golden retriever dog sitting indoors, wearing a red collar with a dog tag, tongue out, and looking at the camera.

    Finn

    HANDLER: Tammy

    BIRTH DATE: 01/08/20

    BREED: Golden Doodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Catching tennis balls

    FAVORITE TREAT: Beggin’ Strips

    FUN FACT: He was born in Maine and was delivered by plane to us!

  • A happy black, white, and tan dog with large ears lying on a paved sidewalk, looking at the camera.

    Frasier

    HANDLER: David

    BIRTH DATE: 10/13/22

    BREED: Smooth Collie

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Visiting the coffee shop, hiking, and meet people

    FAVORITE TREAT: Anything duck flavored and carrot sticks

    FUN FACT: Frasier shares his birthday with his human sister

  • Small black and gray scruffy dog sitting on a patterned pillow on a couch, looking at the camera with large ears.

    Dallas

    HANDLER: Jenny

    BIRTH DATE: 12/31/17

    BREED: Yorkie Poo

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Napping and Going for walks

    FAVORITE TREAT: Blue Buffalo Treat Bits Tender Beef Soft Treats

    FUN FACT: She is only 2 lbs

  • A fluffy, cream-colored dog with a curly coat sitting on a sandy beach near the ocean, looking happy with its mouth open and tongue out, wearing a harness and leash.

    Sadie

    HANDLER: Katie

    BIRTH DATE: 01/13/18

    BREED: Goldendoodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Going on trips (especially the beach), chasing tennis balls, and her weekly dance/agility class

    FAVORITE TREAT: Pup cups

    FUN FACT: Sadie has her AKC Novice Trick Dog Title and is currently learning how to read

  • Cute pug dog with a therapy dog tag sitting in front of orange and black striped fabric.

    Edith

    HANDLER: Kathi

    BIRTH DATE: 03/11/14

    BREED: Pug

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Napping and sunbathing

    FAVORITE TREAT: Bananas

    FAVORITE TRICK: Barking at dogs on the tv and getting belly rubs on comfy pillows

    FUN FACT: When the Jimmy Dean sausage commercial plays on the television, Edith is triggered to sing the songs of her people

  • A Belgian Malinois dog with erect ears and a tan coat, standing outdoors with a wooden fence and green foliage in the background.

    Khaos

    HANDLER: Andres

    BIRTH DATE: 12/09/16

    BREED: Belgian Malinois

    FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Snack Time!

    FAVORITE TREAT:  Ice Cream

    FUN FACT: She can take your picture

  • A happy golden retriever lying outdoors on grass with a yellow identification tag on its collar.

    Ozzy

    HANDLER: Stephanie

    BIRTH DATE: 08/30/21

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Napping

    FAVORITE TREAT: Potato Chips

    FAVORITE TRICK: Spin

    FUN FACT: Ozzy was born with two teeth missing

  • A brown curly-haired dog wearing a red collar, sitting on a carpeted floor next to a bed with a floral bedspread in a bedroom.

    Maddie

    HANDLER: Mary Jo

    BIRTH DATE: 04/26/19

    BREED: Goldendoodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Hiking

    FAVORITE TREAT: Pig Ears 

    FUN FACT: Maddie love to close drawers and cabinet doors

  • Close-up of a light brown poodle mix dog with dark eyes and a black nose, wearing a striped harness.

    Finch

    HANDLER: Regina

    BIRTH DATE: 09/23/19

    BREED: Airedale

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Walking & Running

    FAVORITE TREAT: Cheese

    FUN FACT: Loves Naps!

  • Close-up of a small, tan dog with large ears lying on a fluffy, white blanket.

    Honey

    HANDLER: Denise

    BIRTH DATE: 12/25/15

    BREED:‍ Chihuahua

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Long Walks

    FAVORITE TRICK: Big stretches

    FUN FACT: Everyone is her friend!

  • A fluffy white dog with multiple colored eyes lying on a dark floor, with chairs and a vent visible in the background.

    Clio

    HANDLER: Andree

    BIRTH DATE: 11/01/23

    BREED: Aussiedoodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Wrestling & Romping with her brother Ollie & his girlfriends Sophie and Margo

    FAVORITE TREAT: Milk Bones

  • Brown dog lying on grass with a yellow tennis ball in front, outdoors with trees and blue sky in background.

    Hank

    HANDLER: Alisa

    BIRTH DATE: 02/04/23

    BREED: Chocolate Labrador

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Playing fetch and tug

    FAVORITE TREAT: Carrots and chicken

    FAVORITE TRICK: Giving high five’s and doing figure eights

    FUN FACT: Hank is an “Otter Buddy” for elementary school kids

  • A brown and white dog sitting outdoors near a stone wall.

    Zoey

    HANDLER: Steve

    BIRTH DATE: 06/01/2018

    BREED: Boxer

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Playing ball and keep away

    FAVORITE TREAT: Salmon

    FUN FACT: She has a great wiggle butt when she is happy to see you.

  • Cute curly-haired tan dog sitting on a carpet in a living room.

    Isla

    HANDLER: Ella

    BIRTH DATE: 10/27/17

    BREED: Golden Doodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Playing fetch or tug of war

    FAVORITE TREAT: Anything, literally!

    FUN FACT: She’s had puppies!

  • A dog with a gray and white coat and fluffy ears wearing a festive holiday bandana with a Christmas poinsettia pattern, sitting on a beige carpet next to a red couch.

    Linus

    HANDLER: Jackie

    BIRTH DATE: 01/28/23

    BREED: Aussiedoodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Holding Hands and staring deep into your soul

    FAVORITE TREAT: Treats for puppers, carrots, blueberries…really anything, Linus doesn’t discriminate

    FUN FACT:  Linus is part of “The Peanuts” and has a brother Charlie. He cuddles with his blue blankie too!

  • A brown and white fluffy puppy lying on a hardwood floor, reaching out with one paw to a yellow and blue toy.

    Sophie

    HANDLER: Heidi & John

    BIRTH DATE: 05/20/22

    BREED: Springerdoodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Chasing her squeaky toys

    FAVORITE TREAT: Cheese

    FAVORITE TRICK: Running the agility course off leash and getting belly rubs

    FUN FACT: She wants to be a bird hunting dog but just to flush them from the bushes

  • Close-up of a curly-haired dog lying on a wooden floor, looking up at the camera.

    Deacon

    HANDLER: Caroline

    BIRTH DATE: 06/23/22

    BREED: Golden Doodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Going for Walks

    FAVORITE TREAT: Popcorn

    FAVORITE TRICK: Lay down

    FUN FACT: Deacon was named after our favorite college sports team the Wake Forest Demon Deacons! Go Deacs!

  • Two dogs snuggling together, one with black fur and the other with brown and white fur.

    Pippi

    HANDLER: Laura

    BIRTH DATE: 02/22/23

    BREED: Cavalier King Charles

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Hide and seek and getting belly rubs

    FAVORITE TREAT: Peanut butter

    FUN FACT: Pippi loves to sun bathe!

  • A fluffy, cream-colored dog with floppy ears sitting on green grass. The dog wears a plaid collar with tags, and there are shrubs, rocks, and a metal fence in the background.

    Bruno

    HANDLER: Gene

    BIRTH DATE: 12/21/21

    BREED: Goldendoodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Meeting people and cuddling with grandchildren

    FAVORITE TREAT: Chicken treats

    FAVORITE TRICK: Balancing a treat on his nose

    FUN FACT: He can read!

  • A cute black curly-haired puppy with a green bow around its neck, sitting on a gray blanket.

    Nova

    HANDLER: Annette

    BIRTH DATE: 10/08/22

    BREED: Toy poodle

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Agility classes, belly rubs, playing with her sisters, naps

    FAVORITE TREAT: Cheese

    FUN FACT: Nova is 100% toy poodle according to her DNA tests

  • Black and tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lying on a stone ledge outdoors with trees in the background.

    Tinsley

    HANDLER: Laura

    BIRTH DATE: 02/22/23

    BREED: Cavalier King Charles

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Hunting lizards and protecting the family from deer

    FAVORITE TREAT:  Peanut butter

    FUN FACT: She gives hugs like a human!

  • Black dog with a blue bow on its head, lying on a light-colored floor with its mouth open, showing its tongue and teeth.

    Austin

    HANDLER: Krista & Lexy

    BIRTH DATE: 10/07/19

    BREED: Australian Shepard x Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Swimming or playing Hide and Seek! (Hint, she loves to seek and is terrible at hiding)

    FAVORITE TREAT: Chicken

    FAVORITE TRICK: Pretending to be sad

    FUN FACT: Austin’s mom was a Master Agility Champion and her brother is a Supreme Champion in Dock Diving

  • A light-colored dog with floppy ears and dark eyes lying on a beige fabric armrest or cushion.

    Sunny

    HANDLER: Sharon

    BIRTH DATE: 05/07/23

    BREED: Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Running, playing, and chewing

    FAVORITE TREAT: Dog bones

    FUN FACT: Sunny loves to smile!

  • Close-up of a curious black and grey dog with pointed ears standing on a snowy ground.

    Callie

    HANDLER: Jill & Gene

    BIRTH DATE: 08/28/23

    BREED: Australian Cattle Dog

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Chasing ball or frisbee, going to barn with dad, or running alongside a horse

    FAVORITE TREAT: Marrow bone

    FUN FACT: Callie has a white tail which gets a lot of chuckles!

  • A cream-colored retriever dog sitting outdoors on dirt and mulch with green plants and a tree in the background.

    Brea

    HANDLER: Jim

    BIRTH DATE: 07/31/18

    BREED: English Cream Golden Retriever

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Eating, being petted by humans, going for walks off leash

    FAVORITE TREAT: All legitimate dog treats

    FUN FACT: Brea did not inherit the typical golden retriever traits of swimming and retrieving. Instead, she inherited triple doses of being happy, calm, and sweet!

  • A Great Dane dog with a white coat and black spots standing outdoors on a leaf-covered ground, with blurred autumn trees in the background.

    Thanos

    HANDLER: Meredith

    BIRTH DATE: 03/31/22

    BREED: Great Dane

    FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Agility, fetch, catching a frisbee in the air and chewing a stick

    FAVORITE TREAT: Turkey

    FUN FACT: The highest jump he has successfully completed is 45” tall!