On May 13, 2025, the Edison Ballroom in New York City transformed into a joyful gathering of therapy dogs, their handlers, and supporters of The Good Dog Foundation. The occasion marked the organization’s annual gala, an event that raised nearly a quarter of its yearly budget to expand its vital work across the Greater New York / Tri-State area.
Recognizing the Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy
The evening celebrated the life-changing impact of therapy dog visits with the presentation of the Annual Healing Awards. Honorees included:
- The Juilliard School: For using therapy dogs to comfort students and staff during high-stress periods such as rehearsals and final exams.
- Ulster Regional Drug Treatment Court: For supporting individuals in addiction recovery through animal-assisted emotional support.
- Barclays: For integrating therapy dog visits into its employee wellness programs, enhancing workplace morale.
A short film, Dogs Who Save The World, showcased the profound effects of these partnerships.
Addressing the Rising Demand for Mental Health Support
According to Bruce Fagin, Executive Director and Chief Advancement Officer of The Good Dog Foundation, the organization currently supports more than 100,000 people annually across 300 partner facilities—including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and businesses. However, the demand for therapy dog teams continues to grow in response to rising anxiety and depression rates, especially among young adults.
To meet the increasing need, the foundation has launched a summer fundraising campaign aimed at doubling its therapy dog corps. Each new team requires approximately $1,000 for recruitment, training, certification, deployment, and essential liability insurance—highlighting a key intersection between therapy work and the insurance industry.
Therapy Dogs in the Workplace and Beyond
Corporate settings are increasingly turning to therapy dog programs to bolster employee well-being. Barclays’ Managing Director, Betty Gee, emphasized the effectiveness of these visits in easing workplace stress, calling them “an immediate, easy-to-implement solution.”
Scientific research backs these outcomes. Rachel McPherson, the foundation’s Founding President and Chief Science Officer, notes that therapy dogs stimulate oxytocin release—a hormone linked to trust, stress relief, and social bonding. These benefits extend from hospitals and schools to corporate environments, demonstrating the broad applicability of therapy animals in stress mitigation and productivity enhancement.
Highlights from the Gala
Guests experienced firsthand the joy that therapy dogs bring through “Therapy Dog Love Sessions,” enjoyed a live jazz performance by Juilliard musicians, and participated in live and silent auctions. The positive energy of the evening was so infectious that guests lingered until closing time.
The Good Dog Foundation is recognized globally for its leadership in animal-assisted therapy. For organizations — whether educational, medical, or corporate — considering therapy dog programs, it’s essential to plan for the appropriate risk management and liability insurance to support safe, effective implementation.
For more information or press inquiries: Info@TheGoodDogFoundation.org.
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