Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Becoming a therapy dog team is rewarding for both you and your dog. Join us in our mission to bring joy through animal affection.
Jackie Kelly
Founder
Jackie entered the dog training field while working on her farm - originally training show horses. After the farm, she continued her passion by training dogs. Over 13 years ago she started working with Therapy Dog teams. She has trained over 160 Therapy Dog teams in the triangle area. These bonded teams are well respected, compassionate and skilled to handle any situation.
Karen Callaghan
Director of Operations and Certification Evaluator
Karen coordinates our evaluation team for certification testing. She is responsible for making sure that all dog health records are kept current and that all therapy teams are in compliance with our requirements to ensure that safety is kept to the highest standards. She processes requests from organizations needing our services by placing teams for visits. She also coordinates any of our visits at community events. Karen received her business degree from Monmouth University in New Jersey. She has a 6 year old french bulldog named Lily, who is a certified therapy dog.
Gene Schroeder
Hospital Visit Consultant and Certification Evaluator
Gene has worked in the healthcare environment for 45 years and has seen first hand the positive impact that well trained dogs can have as part of the healthcare delivery process. He and their 3 year old goldendoodle Bruno have personally experienced how enjoyable and rewarding hospital and healthcare facility visits are. Bruno looks forward to every visit and he brings a smile to everyone he meets, including staff and patients.
Kate Curzan
Social Media Organizer
Kate is an junior at Cardinal Gibbons High School who was born and raised in Cary, North Carolina. She is a devoted student who enjoys swimming, playing soccer, and learning about all types of animals in her free time. . Kate began volunteering at Dogs With a Purpose after finding a passion for the organization's mission. She makes all of the "trading cards" for the dogs to hand out to people we visit. She also assists with clerical needs, volunteers at large events and posts on social media for us.