Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program
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Dogs On Call - Therapy Dog Program
@dogsoncall.bsky.social
24 followers 4 following 140 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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dogsoncall.bsky.social
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"
dogsoncall.bsky.social
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer! But what’s your dog’s FAVORITE part of the holidays? Is it the extra treats, the cozy naps by the fire, or maybe playing with new toys? Tell us below!

#HolidayDogs #DogLife #ChristmasDogs #PetHoliday #DogsOnCall #CHAI #FurryFriends #HolidayCheer #DogLove
December 16, 2025 at 1:02 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
"Mic check, one two! 🎤🐾 Thank you Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU for inviting us to Radiothon, and to Mix 98.1 for putting our Dogs on Call program in the spotlight! We loved talking about the power of puppy love.

#DogsOnCall #Radiothon #Mix981 #TherapyDogLife"
Alt Text: A group photo showing four smiling people and a small, white fluffy therapy dog standing in front of a Mix 98.1 banner. A man in a blue hoodie holds the dog in the center. Overlaid graphics include a large microphone illustration on the left, the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU logo at the top, and text that reads "RADIOTHON" and "THANKS FOR INVITING US!"
December 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
On International Animal Rights Day, we affirm our commitment to promoting respectful and ethical treatment for all animals. At CHAI, we love our Dogs on Call dogs but we support and promote the well-being of all animals.

#HumanAnimalBond #TherapyDogs #AnimalAssistedIntervention #QualityOfLife
December 9, 2025 at 12:45 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become part of Dogs on Call, our therapy dog volunteer program? Join us LIVE on YouTube tomorrow at 7:00 PM for an info session and Q&A!

📺 Livestream Link:
👉 youtube.com/live/9NOwQCC...

🐶 More info about Dogs on Call:
chai.vcu.edu/dogs-on-call...
December 3, 2025 at 4:30 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Today is #GivingTuesday! Your support allows the Center for Human-Animal interaction to continue our vital research and expand our Dogs On Call therapy dog program, bringing comfort and healing to countless individuals.

#GivingTuesday #Donate #SupportCHAI #DogsOnCall #NonProfit #MakeADifference
A "Giving Tuesday" graphic. A golden retriever with people petting it is in the foreground, with the text "GIVING TUESDAY" and "2 December." A white box contains a message about donating to the cause, a QR code, and a website address.
December 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday! Your support allows the Center for Human-Animal interaction to continue our vital research and expand our Dogs On Call therapy dog program, bringing comfort and healing to countless individuals. Every contribution makes a paws-itive impact!

#GivingTuesday #Donate
A "Giving Tuesday" graphic. A golden retriever with people petting it is in the foreground, with the text "GIVING TUESDAY" and "2 December." A white box contains a message about donating to the cause, a QR code, and a website address.
December 1, 2025 at 11:01 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
As Senior Pet Month continues; we want to hear about your wise old pups! What’s the best life lesson your senior dog has taught you? Their patience, unconditional love, and resilience are truly inspiring. Share the wisdom!

#SeniorPets #SeniorDogs #DogWisdom #OldDogsAreTheBest #PetStories
A graphic for November's "Senior Pet Month." The main image shows a fluffy white and brown therapy dog wearing a blue vest, with its tongue sticking out. The photo is bordered by a large brown shape. A cartoon of a senior dog with a walking stick is in the bottom left, and paw prints are in the background.
November 29, 2025 at 4:02 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Happy Thanksgiving from the Center for Human-Animal Interaction and our Dogs on Call program! We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated volunteers, our amazing therapy dogs, and the profound human-animal bond that brings so much comfort and joy.

#Thanksgiving #HappyThanksgiving #Gratitude
A "Happy Thanksgiving" graphic with a group of five therapy dogs of different breeds sitting in front of a pumpkin and autumn-themed border. The dogs include a brown and white springer spaniel, two small terriers (one black and white and one brown and white), a golden retriever, and a black lab.
November 27, 2025 at 12:45 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Today’s research focus explores the long-term benefits of early childhood exposure to animals. Findings suggest it is related to the development of empathy and improved social-emotional development.

#ChildDevelopment #HumanAnimalBond #EarlyChildhood #Empahy #Research #SocialEmotionalLearning
November 20, 2025 at 12:45 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Happy Take A Hike Day! Grab your leash and hit the trails with your favorite hiking buddy! Getting outdoors and staying active with your dog is fantastic for both your physical and mental well-being.

#TakeAHikeDay #DogHiking #OutdoorAdventures #ActiveDogs #DogFriendly #ExploreWithDogs #NatureWalks
A graphic for "Take a Hike Day." A corgi wearing a blue therapy dog vest stands on a rock on a mountain path, with green hills and a bright sky in the background. The text "TAKE A HIKE DAY" is in a large font on the right, with "GRAB A LEASH AND GO!" below it.
November 17, 2025 at 12:45 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Clarke has assisted with surgery; well, not exactly, but he has helped an anxious patient relax before heading into the operating room and was there to greet the patient upon waking up. Being there to support in those difficult moments is why we volunteer.
- Shared by Kim

#TherapyDog #Comfort
A graphic titled "From the DOGS ON CALL files," featuring a black doodle named Clarke. The graphic includes three photos: the top right shows the dog receiving pets in a hospital room, the bottom left shows the dog with two smiling women, and the bottom right is a close-up portrait of the dog outdoors.
November 14, 2025 at 12:45 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
On Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

#VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #MilitaryAppreciation #HumanAnimalBond #Heroes
A graphic for Veterans Day. The words "Thank You VETERANS" are at the top, followed by the date "11 November 2025." A dog with a small American flag in its mouth is running, with a silhouette of a saluting person in front of a large American flag.
November 11, 2025 at 12:45 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Today is National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day, a critical part of Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Talk to your vet about symptoms and screening. Together, we can fight for our dogs’ health.

#CanineLymphomaAwareness #PetCancer #DogHealth #EarlyDetection #PetCancerAwarenessMonth #FightCanineCancer
A graphic for National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day. The background is a light, world-map pattern. Two light-green awareness ribbons are shown in the foreground. The text reads "NATIONAL CANINE LYMPHOMA AWARENESS DAY."
November 7, 2025 at 12:45 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Today is Election Day! Your voice matters. Head to the polls and make your vote count. When you get home, we’re sure your furry co-pilot will be ready to greet you, no matter the outcome.

#ElectionDay #Vote #YourVoiceMatters #CivicDuty #DogsOfDemocracy #DogsOnCall #CHAI #GoVote
A graphic for "Election Day 2025." The top of the image shows a waving American flag with stars. Below that, a dog's paw is shown in the foreground, pressing down on a paper ballot with a checkmark in one of the boxes. The text "ELECTION DAY 2025" is large and prominent.
November 4, 2025 at 12:30 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Don’t forget: Daylight Saving Time ends tonight! Enjoy that extra hour of sleep (or an extra hour of snuggles with your pup!). While we adjust, remember your dog’s routine might shift too. Give them a little extra patience and love.

#DaylightSavingTime #FallBall #ExtraHour #DogLife #DogRoutine
A graphic with two dogs, a dachshund and a golden retriever, on top of a car resembling the DeLorean from Back to the Future. The car is on a road with fire trails behind it, and a beam of light shoots into the starry sky. The text "LET'S GO BACK IN TIME" is featured, with a smaller line below noting that "Daylight Savings Time Ends" on "November 2, 2025."
November 2, 2025 at 1:01 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Welcome to November! This month brings awareness to two topics: Pet Cancer Awareness and Senior Pets. Let’s commit to early detection for cancer and providing the best care for our wise, older companions.

#PetCancerAwareness #SeniorPetMonth #PetHealth #EarlyDetection #SeniorDogs #DogCare #CHAI
A graphic for Pet Cancer Awareness Month and Senior Pet Month. On the left is a purple circle with a yellow ribbon and a red heart. On the right, a portrait-style photo shows the head and shoulders of a tan dog looking slightly to the side. The titles "Pet Cancer Awareness Month" and "Senior Pet Month" are on the top left and top right of the graphic.
November 1, 2025 at 11:02 AM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Happy Halloween from our Dogs on Call teams! Remember to keep your pets safe this spooky season. Keep candy out of reach and help your dog join the fun by sporting a fun bandana instead of a cumbersome or restrictive costume. Have a fa-boo-lous and safe night!
#Halloween #HappyHalloween #PetSafety
A Halloween graphic with the text "HAPPY HOWL-OWEEN" across the top. Below the text, a group of five therapy dogs of different breeds stand together on a cloudy, misty surface. The bottom text reads "FROM THE PUPS AT DOGS ON CALL." The image is framed by spiderwebs and a spider.
October 31, 2025 at 11:45 AM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
Did you know that animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce perceived pain levels in patients? Understanding this helps us refine our Dogs on Call program for maximum impact.

#Research #AnimalAssistedTherapy #PainManagement #HealthcareInnovation #HumanAnimalBond #CHAI #DogsOnCall
A graphic with the title "Animal-Assisted Therapy" and the text "can significantly reduce perceived pain levels in patients." The graphic is a collage of six photos showing therapy dogs visiting patients in a hospital setting. The photos show various dogs interacting with people of different ages, some in beds and others in chairs.
October 29, 2025 at 11:45 AM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
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.
October 18, 2025 at 11:45 AM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
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.
October 13, 2025 at 11:45 AM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
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."
October 9, 2025 at 11:45 AM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
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."
October 6, 2025 at 11:45 AM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
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.
October 2, 2025 at 2:15 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
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.
September 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM
dogsoncall.bsky.social
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."
September 20, 2025 at 12:01 PM