050726 ~ Therapaws - Brinda Ganesan

Therapaws of Michigan, a Washtenaw County-based nonprofit, has transformed lives for over 25 years by pairing certified therapy dogs with volunteer handlers to bring comfort to hospitals, schools, libraries, and senior living facilities. At the heart of this mission is the belief that dogs—regardless of breed, size, or age—can heal through their innate calm and empathy. Vice President Brinda Ganesan shares how her own journey from dog-averse to devoted handler with her 150-pound Newfoundland, Paddington, exemplifies the profound emotional and social impact of these therapy teams. The organization relies on a rigorous certification process through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, where both dog and handler must demonstrate calm temperament, obedience, and emotional intelligence. Despite being a small, all-volunteer group, Therapaws has grown to include around 120 certified teams, with members ranging from children as young as 12 to seasoned seniors. What sets them apart is not just their work, but the deep, reciprocal healing: dogs like Paddington return from visits exhausted yet joyful, while handlers like Ganesan report newfound confidence and connection through public engagement. The program’s success hinges on community support—through donations, QR code contributions, and heartfelt memorials—proving that even small acts of love, like a dog’s gentle presence, can create lasting change. The episode reveals a powerful truth: therapy isn’t just for people.