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Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program

@dogsoncall.bsky.social

22 followers 4 following 120 posts

The Dogs on Call therapy dog program in Richmond, VA, that provides complementary therapy to enhance the wellbeing of patients, staff, and students through canine-assisted interventions.

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Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Jan 10

Dogs on Call is a premier dog therapy program recognized as a best-practice, evidence-based initiative.

#BlueskySocial
#BlueskyCommunity
#PawsOnBluesky
#TherapyDogsUnleashed
#DogsHealingSky
#RichmondOnBluesky
#BlueskyVibes

A blue image of nine dogs in squares. Each dog is a different breed. Text reads "Dogs on Call is on Bluesky"

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Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · 2d

It’s National Fetch Day! Time to grab a ball and head outside with your furry friend! Playing fetch isn’t just fun; it’s a fantastic way to bond, keep your dog active, and reinforce positive behaviors. What’s your dog’s favorite fetch toy?

#NationalFetchDay #Fetch #DogPlay #ActiveDogs #DogBonding

A graphic for National Fetch Day. The image shows a small brown dog running happily through a grassy field toward the camera, with a yellow ball and a person in the blurry background. The text "Happy NATIONAL FETCH DAY" is in a script font.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · 7d

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples & acknowledge the traditional connections to all living beings, including the animals who have shared their journeys through generations.

#IndigenousPeoplesDay

A graphic for Indigenous Peoples Day. The background is a vibrant purple with orange flowers and butterflies. The text reads "October 9 is INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY" in large, orange and yellow letters.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · 11d

It’s Animal Welfare Week! Beyond providing love and care, what’s one simple action you take to ensure the welfare of animals in your community? Tell us below!

#AnimalWelfareWeek #AnimalWelfare #PetAdvocacy #CommunityCare #ResponsiblePetOwner #CHAI #DogsOnCall #MakeADifference #ProtectAnimals

A black and white photo of a person wearing a face mask bending down to pet a small dog. To the right, a large green block contains the text "Animal Welfare Week."

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · 14d

On Child Health Day, we celebrate the well-being of our youngest community members. Did you know interacting with therapy dogs can have benefits for children’s emotional and physical health?

#ChildHealthDay #KidsHealth #TherapyDogs #AnimalAssistedTherapy #ChildWellness #DogsOnCall #CHAI #Pediatric

A graphic with a photo of a therapy dog visiting a hospital. A young child in a pink shirt is looking at the camera, while an adult is on the left petting a golden retriever in the foreground. The graphic includes the text "Improve your child's health today" and a large title, "Child Health Day."

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · 18d

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the incredible Dr. Jane Goodall, a true pioneer who revolutionized our understanding of animals and the human-animal bond (and who's favorite animal was a DOG!). Her groundbreaking work has been a profound inspiration for all of us.

#JaneGoodall

An image with a blue sky background and white clouds, featuring a memorial for Jane Goodall. Text at the top reads "IN MEMORIAM JANE GOODALL APRIL 3, 1934 – OCTOBER 1, 2025." A white dove flies in the upper right corner. In the center, Jane Goodall is shown sitting with a chimpanzee next to her. She is smiling and wearing a light green shirt and khaki pants. A quote to her left states, "The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves." At the bottom, "Center for Human-Animal Interaction ®" and "chai.vcu.edu" are displayed against a blue band.

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Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · 26d

We visited a young patient who was very excited to see Kris. She called him by her own dog's name and invited him for a "sleepover," which Kris happily obliged. As they snuggled up together on her bed, she kept whispering to Kris and smiling.

- Shared by Dogs on Call Handler Kelly

#DogsOnCall

A graphic titled "From the DOGS ON CALL files," featuring a black lab named Kris Kringle McKringleberry. The graphic includes three photos: the top right shows the dog with a child, the bottom left shows the dog being petted by two women, and the bottom right is a close-up of the dog's face with snow on its fur.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 20

Happy Responsible Dog Ownership Day! This is the perfect lead-in to National Dog Week, which starts tomorrow! What’s one thing you do as a responsible dog owner?

#ResponsibleDogOwnership #AKCDogOwnershipDay #NationalDogWeek #DogCare #PetHealth #Training #DogsOnCall #CHAI #DogParents

A graphic for National Dog Week. A smiling black and brown doodle. The graphic includes a large red paw print in the corner and the text "NATIONAL DOG WEEK."

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 18

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Pups on the Plaza today! It was a truly wonderful day filled with our amazing Dogs on Call teams, fantastic food, lively music, and the best community.

#POTP25 #ThankYou #DogsOnCall #VCU #CommunitySupport #HumanAnimalInteraction #RichmondEvents

A thank you poster for a successful "Pups on the Plaza" event. The main text on the right says, "THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL." The bottom left has the event title, "PUPS ON THE PLAZA." Two Polaroid-style photos show therapy dogs and people: the top shows a woman in a blue shirt with a brown dog on a chair, and the bottom shows a dog on its back receiving a belly rub.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 18

Halfway through the fun at Pups on the Plaza and it’s been PAW-some! 🐾 So many happy faces (and wagging tails!). There’s still plenty of time to come down until 2pm for more Dogs on Call, food, and music. Don’t miss out on the fun!

#POTP2025 #DogsOfInstagram #VCUHealth #RichmondIsForDogs #EventFun

A "Pups on the Plaza" promotional poster with the headline "HALFWAY THROUGH THE FUN!" The main text and event details are in the center. On the left are two Polaroid-style photos: the top one shows a man and a woman smiling and holding a small dog, and the bottom photo shows a person petting a smiling dalmatian.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 18

It’s HERE! 🎉 Pups on the Plaza is officially kicking off in just 1 hour! Come join us in front of MMEC (1201 East Marshall Street) for a paw-some time with our incredible Dogs on Call teams, food, and great music.

#POTP2025 #DogsOnCall #EventDay #RichmondVA #CommunityEvent #FoodTrucks #LiveMusic

Promotional poster announcing, "IT'S HERE! PUPS ON THE PLAZA." The main text and event details are on the left, including the date, time, and location. On the right, two Polaroid-style photos are stacked. The top photo shows a smiling person with a black dog. The bottom photo shows a golden retriever visiting a person in a hospital bed.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 17

The moment you’ve all been waiting for is almost here! TOMORROW is “Pups on the Plaza”! We can’t wait to share this experience with you. See you there!

🗓️ Thursday, September 18, 2025
⏰ 11am-2pm
📍 In front of MMEC, 1201 East Marshall Street

#POTP2025 #DogsOnCall #VCU #RVAEvents #Community

A "Pups on the Plaza" promotional poster. The main text says "Only 1 Day!" with event details including the date and location. Two Polaroid-style photos show therapy dogs interacting with people. The top photo shows a dog looking up at a person in a medical coat. The bottom photo shows a child in a "I'm a Huge Fan" shirt petting a golden retriever.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 16

Just 2 more days until “Pups on the Plaza”! We’ve got a fantastic event planned for you, featuring food, music, and of course, our amazing Dogs on Call teams. Get ready for some good vibes and furry friends!

#POTP25 #DogsOnCall #VCUHealth #VCU #Fun #Countdown #HumanAnimalInteraction

A promotional poster for "Pups on the Plaza." The top of the image says "Only 2 Days!" and has event details. To the right are two photos. The top photo shows a smiling person in a chair with a dog on their lap, while the bottom one shows a person and a child petting a golden retriever. The bottom of the poster notes that lunch tickets are provided by Holiday Barn Pet Resorts.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 16

This National Veterinary Technician Week, we send a huge thank you to the incredible vet techs who care for our beloved pets! Their expertise and compassion are vital.

#VetTechWeek #VeterinaryTechnicial #AnimalHealthcare #PetCare #VetMed #Research #CHAI #DogsOnCall #ThankYouVetTechs #AnimalWellness

A graphic for National Vet Tech Week. The image shows a smiling veterinary technician on the right, with three different dogs gathered around her. The text "National VET TECH Week" is in the top right corner.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 15

Only 3 days until “Pups on the Plaza”! We’re getting the music ready and our Dogs on Call teams are practicing their best “hello!”

🗓️ Thursday, September 18, 2025
⏰ 11am-2pm
📍 In front of MMEC, 1201 East Marshall Street

#POTP25 #DogsOnCall #VCUHealth #VCU #Countdown #HumanAnimalInteraction

A promotional poster for "Pups on the Plaza." Two Polaroid-style photos show therapy dogs, one with a smiling golden retriever and another with a spotted dog wearing a bandana. The main text announces "Only 3 Days!" and provides the event's date and location. A line at the bottom mentions that the first 200 lunch tickets are from Holiday Barn Pet Resorts.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 15

Today is your last chance to get t-shirts before “Pups on the Plaza”! Our team is at the Main Hospital Kiosk until 2pm. Dogs on Call teams are there, too! Come support the Center for Human-Animal Interaction and enjoy a day filled with dogs, food, and music! See you there!

#POTP25 #DogsOnCall #VCU

A promotional poster for "Pups on the Plaza." A bright "TICKETS" sign is at the top. Below the sign, a white dog and a dalmatian are shown, with the text "Pups on the Plaza" and details about a pre-sale event.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 14

Today, on National Pet Memorial Day, we take a moment to remember the Dogs on Call dogs and other cherished companions who have crossed the rainbow bridge this year. The love we share with our pets is eternal, and their paw prints remain forever on our hearts.

#PetMemorialDay #RainbowBridge

A graphic for National Pet Memorial Day with six portrait photos of different dogs. The dogs are named Tobias, Remy, Callie, Otis, Hairy Harry, and Clifford. The photos are arranged around the text "NATIONAL Pet Memorial Day."

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 14

Can you feel the excitement building? This is your final reminder that our last “Pups on the Plaza” pre-sale is tomorrow! Get your tickets and join us for a paw-some day of fun.

Pre-sale details:
🗓️ Thursday, September 15, 2025
⏰ 11am-2pm
📍 Main Hospital Kiosk

#POTP25 #DogsOnCall #VCUHealth #VCU

A promotional poster for "Pups on the Plaza." A "TICKETS" sign with bright lights is in the top half of the image. Below it, two dogs, a golden retriever and a black and white dog with big eyes, are shown against a blue background. The text announces a pre-sale for tickets.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 11

Only 1 week until “Pups on the Plaza”! We’re getting the music ready and our Dogs on Call teams are stretching for all the love they will be sharing! Mark your calendars.

#POTP2025 #DogsOnCall #VCUCommunity #RichmondVA #RichmondEvents #Countdown

Image Alt Text: A "Pups on the Plaza" promotional poster announcing, "1 Week Until..." The main image is a smiling golden retriever. To the right are three Polaroid-style photos showing a child and a dog, a person's hands petting a dog, and a smiling bald woman with a dog on her lap. The poster provides event details, including the date, time, and location.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 11

It’s here! The first day of our “Pups on the Plaza” pre-sale is happening right now! Come say hi to our amazing Dogs on Call teams, grab your tickets, and get ready for the big event on September 18th. We’re at the Main Hospital Kiosk until 2pm!

#POTP2025 #DogsOnCall #VCUCommunity #RichmondVA

Image Alt Text: A "Pups on the Plaza" promotional poster. At the top is a movie marquee-style sign with the word "TICKETS" in red and white lettering, surrounded by light bulbs. Below the sign, two therapy dogs, a fluffy white one and a golden retriever, look at the camera. Text in the center announces the event's ticket pre-sale date and time.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 11

On Patriot Day and First Responders Day, we honor the heroes who serve and protect our communities every day. We recognize the invaluable role service animals and therapy dogs often play in supporting these courageous individuals. Thank you all who serve.

#PatriotDay #FirstResponders #Heroes

A graphic honoring Patriot and First Responders Day. The background is an American flag with six stars. A circular blue emblem with the date "9.11" and a silhouette of the New York City skyline is in the center. The bottom text reads "PATRIOT & FIRST RESPONDERS DAY."

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 10

Get ready to wag your tails! Our “Pups on the Plaza” pre-sale is kicking off tomorrow. Don’t miss your chance to snag your t-shirt while supplies last.

Pre-sale details:
🗓️ Thursday, September 11, 2025
⏰ 11am-2pm
📍 Main Hospital Kiosk

We can't wait to see you there!

#POTP25 #VCUHealth #VCU

A "Pups on the Plaza" promotional poster. A bright movie marquee-style sign for "TICKETS" is in the top half of the image. Below it, two dogs are shown in blue filter, a small fuzzy one on the left and a larger one with its tongue out on the right. The text announces "Pre-Sale Tomorrow!"

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 9

Happy National Grandparents Day! We’re celebrating the wisdom, love, and joy grandparents bring to our lives. This month is also National Service Dog Month, honoring the incredible canines who provide life-changing support. Share your favorite memory with a grandparent or a special dog!

A graphic for Grandparents' Day and National Service Dog Month. A smiling, fluffy white therapy dog is in the foreground, with the text "Happy Grandparents' Day!" and "& National Service Dog month" in large, bold font over a yellow and white sunburst background.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Sep 8

Save the date! The “Pups on the Plaza” event is coming soon!

🗓️ Thursday, September 18, 2025
⏰ 11am-2pm
📍 In front of MMEC, 1201 East Marshall Street

#POTP25 #DogsOnCall #VCUHealth #VCU #RichmondEvents #SaveTheDate

A promotional poster for "Pups on the Plaza." The top left has the title "Pups on the Plaza" over a smiling golden retriever. To the right are three Polaroids showing a child in a hospital bed petting a dog, a person's hands petting a dog, and a smiling bald woman with a dog on her lap. Text at the bottom provides event details, including pre-sale dates and a note about lunch tickets from Holiday Barn Pet Resorts.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Aug 31

We want to send a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to Lisa Townsend, Robert Findling, and their lovely Chinese Crested dogs Roo and Mini, for their generous sponsorship in honor of Mini (pictured below). Your support means the world to us!

#ThankYouDogs #ThankYouSponsor #CommunityGivers #Philanthropy

THANK YOU TO OUR CALENDAR SPONSORS. Multiple hands form a heart shape, with dog paws and parts of dogs visible around the edges. Inside the heart, the text reads 'Drs. Lisa Townsend & Robert Findling'. A fluffy dark-colored dog's head is visible in the bottom right of the heart. Below is 'Center for Human-Animal Interaction ®' and 'chai.vcu.edu'.

Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program @dogsoncall.bsky.social · Aug 29

As August draws to a close, we reflect on a month filled with Paws-itive Memories. Here’s another!

#PawsitiveMemories #DogsofInstagram #TherapyDogs #GoodVibes #EndOfMonthReflection #MakingADifference #HeartfeltMoments #AnimalAssistedIntervention

A shaggy, gray therapy dog named Zeke is shown with its mouth slightly open, appearing happy. To the left, a white text box contains a quote: 'I was walking down the hall when a physician asked if he might visit with my therapy dog, Zeke. I said, "Of course, he would like that very much." The next thing I knew, the physician was on the floor with his arms wrapped around Zeke. The physician sat there for a minute and then looked up at me and said, "You don't know how much I needed that!" I'll never forget that moment. It made me realize how the work our DOC pups do is important on so many levels and to so many people.' Below the quote is 'Shared by a Dogs on Call Handler'. Below is 'Center for Human-Animal Interaction ®' and 'chai.vcu.edu'.