FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — When Diane Wheeler and her family adopted Honey from Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) five years ago, they quickly realized she had a calm, friendly personality well-suited for more than just home life. After five years as a beloved family pet, Honey began the process of becoming a certified therapy dog.
In 2024, Honey earned her certification from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), an international registry that tests and certifies dogs for animal-assisted activities. The process ensures each dog has the right temperament, obedience, and relationship with its handler to provide comfort in therapeutic settings.
Today, at 10 years old, Honey volunteers with Blue Gray Therapy Dogs, visiting children in therapy, memory care residents, rehabilitation centers, and patients at a local hematology/oncology infusion clinic.
Research shows that interacting with therapy animals reduces blood pressure, relieves pain, and increases endorphins—promoting calm and emotional well-being.
On April 30, Honey will help mark National Therapy Animal Day, founded by Pet Partners to honor the more than three million visits made each year by therapy animals and their handlers. The day celebrates the important role these animals play in supporting physical and emotional health.
Old Dominion Humane Society, the organization that connected Honey with her forever family, holds weekly adoption events:
- Wednesdays from 5–7 p.m.
- Fridays from 6–8 p.m.
- Saturdays from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Sundays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Visit them at 3602 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA, or learn more about available dogs, adoption applications, volunteering, fostering, and donations at olddominionhumanesociety.org.
Note: ODHS does not train or select dogs for therapy certification. Its mission is to match rescue dogs with loving homes.