Facility Dog Teams

Facility Dogs work alongside professionals in settings like counseling centers, universities, and courts to provide comfort, calm, and companionship to those facing difficult situations. These dogs help reduce stress and build trust, making it easier for people—especially children and trauma survivors—to open up and heal.

Discover how Facility Dogs are making a difference by bringing empathy and support to people when they need it most.

Francee and SDV Ole

Ole works at RegionTen in Nelson County alongside his handler, Francee, providing essential support to individuals accessing mental health, intellectual disability, crisis, and substance use services. RegionTen serves both adults and children, and Ole’s calming presence helps create a safe and supportive environment for those navigating difficult challenges.

“Ole has been invaluable to supporting the individuals we serve,” said Francee. “He naturally breaks down barriers and removes stigma. You can almost watch the anxiety or stress melt away when he interacts with people. He has become a fundamental part of our team’s self-care and wellness plan.”

Click on the photo to hear Francee explain how Ole helps those in need.

A woman with short gray hair smiling while sitting next to a large yellow Labrador Retriever dog. They are indoors with a quilt hanging on the wall behind them.

Rami and SDV Josie

After seeing the profound impact of Facility Dog Wagner at Virginia Tech’s Cook Counseling Center, Rami recognized the need for a four-legged partner to support students on a deeper emotional level. In May 2021, Rami began training with Facility Dog Josie through Service Dogs of Virginia, and since then, their partnership has fundamentally enhanced how students engage with mental health services.

“In one group session, a client was discussing a recent loss, and Josie climbed onto her lap to offer comfort for the rest of the session,” Rami shared. “It was a powerful moment. Josie allowed the student to process the grief and showed the group how to support her through empathy. It was one of the proudest moments I’ve had with Josie.”

“Josie offered her 'foot' to another client sharing a difficult experience,” Rami continued. “At times when words aren't enough, Josie excels at offering quiet presence and saying, 'I’m here to listen.' Her ability to provide comfort in vulnerable moments has made her a cherished and trusted member of the team.”

Josie’s quiet, reassuring presence is not only felt by students but also by staff. Whether she’s offering brief moments of connection in the hallways or providing steady support in therapy sessions, Josie excels at calming anxieties and fostering healing.

Her true power lies in the deep, unspoken connections she creates, making her an irreplaceable part of Virginia Tech’s mental health services.

Click here to read more of their story or click on the top photo to watch Rami explain the important role Josie plays at Va Tech

A woman with long brown hair sitting cross-legged on a concrete surface, smiling, next to a yellow Labrador Retriever wearing a pink harness showing its tongue.

A woman and a therapy dog sitting on grass, both wearing red heart-shaped sunglasses, during a sunny day in a park. The dog has a bandana with the name Josie on it.

Michelle and SDV AIden

Aiden, the second facility dog at Virginia Tech, may not work directly with students at the Cook Counseling Center, but he plays a vital role in supporting the creative minds at the School of Design. Paired with his handler, Michelle, Aiden support and a sense of relief to students facing the pressures of their academic journey. Whether it's through a simple moment of connection or offering a listening ear, Aiden helps students navigate the emotional highs and lows of college life.

“One day last week, I had a senior participate in their comprehensive pin-up to defend their senior thesis project,” Michelle shared. “Much to this individual’s dismay, they did not pass. They were devastated, left the studio, and came directly to my office, asking to sit with Aiden. The student just sat with him and cried for a while until Aiden brought them his obnoxious honking pig toy. He got them laughing with the loud sound and gave me the opportunity to help the student talk through next steps for their project. Earlier this week, the student came back to our office to tell me (and Aiden) that they made the necessary changes to their project and passed!”

Aiden’s ability to shift the mood from despair to laughter in such a short time exemplifies the power of his presence. He provides more than just comfort—he helps students reconnect with their resilience and move forward when they’re feeling defeated.

Click on this link to view an awesome video and article about Aiden Credit: Virginia Tech News.

A yellow Labrador dog wearing a red bandana sitting on snow-covered ground in front of Burruss Hall, a historic stone building, with a sign indicating it is at Virginia Tech.

SDV Zuhey and the VA beach Commonwealth attorney’s office

For young children navigating the unfamiliar world of the courthouse, Zuhey’s calm nature makes a big impact. She has sat with children waiting for court, quietly offering comfort as they ask questions and pet her soft fur.

“Two kids loved watching Zuhey respond to commands while they waited,” shared one staff member. “They even said they were going home to teach their dogs the same tricks.”

In one case, Zuhey sat with a four-year-old while her mother participated in an interview, providing reassurance during a difficult moment.

Zuhey works alongside her handlers, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Robin Bland and Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Patrick Connolly, to provide emotional support and help foster a sense of security for victims and witnesses.

Zuhey’s work goes beyond emotional comfort — she helps foster trust and connection. Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle shared, “Victims and witnesses often come into the courtroom scared and overwhelmed. Zuhey helps break down that barrier and lets them know they aren’t alone.”

She’s more than just a courthouse dog — she’s a steady companion, a source of reassurance, and a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there’s care and compassion present.

To read more about Zuhey’s role in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, visit the full article:
Meet Zuhey, the new facility dog in the city’s Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office

An older man and a woman standing outdoors with a black guide dog. The man is wearing glasses, a navy blue polo shirt, and khaki pants, and holding the leash of the guide dog. The woman is wearing a green polo shirt and black pants, holding an orange object. They are standing on grass with a building and trees in the background.

SDV William and SDV Chaya at Ready Kids

At ReadyKids, creating a safe and supportive environment for children and families is central to their mission. With the addition of Facility Dogs William and Chaya, this mission now includes four paws, wagging tails, and daily moments of comfort.

Working alongside counselors Emily and Allie, William and Chaya help young clients feel at ease, build confidence, and engage more fully in their therapy sessions. Their presence brings calm to difficult moments and fosters growth in ways words alone cannot.

William's Impact
Counselor Emily shared how William recently helped a young client with autism and significant anxiety work through their fears:

“William got a new treat puzzle for Christmas, and I asked the client to help introduce him to it. We used the moment to talk about how it’s okay to not know exactly what to do at first, that struggling is normal, and needing help is okay. The client supported William beautifully as he figured it out—and when they had to try something new later that day, I reminded them of how they helped William. They smiled and said, ‘You're right, I’ll be brave.’”

Chaya's Role in Building Confidence
For one client working with Allie, Chaya has been a constant source of reassurance—and a playful companion:

“This client struggled with a lot of anxiety at first. They were curious about Chaya but also a little unsure. Over time, they built a real relationship with her. Chaya has been everything from an angel to a police dog to a brave knight during play sessions. Now, as the client nears the end of therapy, they say what they’ll miss most is Chaya—and they’re proud of the bond they’ve built with her.”

Watch a video and listen to Emily and Allie explain how they use William and Chaya in therapy sessions.

See William & Chaya in Action
You can also see how William and Chaya are used in sessions. Watch the videos below—one featuring William and the other with Chaya—to witness the positive impact they have on the children they work with.

Two dogs with TY Beanie Babies around their necks lying on a brick platform in front of a colorful sign that says "Ready Kids" at the entrance of a children's facility, with trees and parked cars in the background.

L-R: SDV William and SDV Chaya

Young woman with long blonde hair kneeling in grass beside a black dog with a red collar, in front of a colorful sign that reads 'Ready Kids,' on a sunny day with a clear blue sky, leafless trees, power lines, and a street in the background.

Allie and SDV Chaya

A woman in a pink top and blue pants sitting on a brick ledge, smiling, as a service dog wearing a red vest and a party hat sits beside her. The dog has a pink bandana around its neck and is smiling back. They are outside a building with a sign that reads "Ready Kid" behind them.

Emily and SDV William

Emily and SDV COnrad

Emily works at the Children's Advocacy Center, where she provides trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health services to children and adolescents impacted by abuse. She works closely with her facility dog, Conrad, who plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive environment for clients and staff alike.

"Conrad is invaluable every day. He is such a warm, kind soul and provides us so much support throughout the workday. He makes kids feel safe when coming to talk about difficult subject matter like sexual assault and abuse. He helps investigators regulate, helps kids regulate and feel comfortable. Just the energy shift when he is present is profound."

Click on the photo to hear how Conrad supports children experiencing trauma.

A woman kneeling next to a guide dog in a floral section of a store, with colorful flowers and plush toys in the background.

Return to Success Stories