There were wagging tails, warm smiles and a few happy barks Sunday afternoon as St. Peter’s Anglican Church hosted the Blessing of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program.
The March 1 service, held at 2 p.m., welcomed 11 therapy dogs and their handlers for a brief but heartfelt ceremony presided over by Rev. William Simon and Pastoral Associate Fran Richardson.
Rose Gaiteiro, coordinator for the Therapy Dog program in Northumberland County, said the local program currently includes 28 therapy dogs that visit nursing homes, schools, hospitals and Warkworth Institution.
“The Therapy Dog program is meant to have teams with dogs and their sidekick humans that go out and just be with people, sharing warmth, empathy and compassion,” said Gaiteiro.
She said the impact of the visits is immediate and visible.
“The dogs don’t need to speak to share their magic,” she said. “You can just see the happiness. Whatever burdens people carry are put aside while they have a nice visit with the dogs.”
In addition to its regular teams, the program has seven child-friendly (CF) dog teams that undergo additional specialized evaluation to work specifically with children.
In 2025, the local St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program completed more than 889 visits at over 40 facilities across Northumberland County — a testament to the growing demand for the comfort and connection the teams provide.
The annual blessing ceremony had been paused during the pandemic and returned this year, giving parishioners and community members an opportunity to recognize the important work these volunteers do.
Beyond their regular visits, teams also take part in community events such as parades, Remembrance Day ceremonies, the PH Art Festival and the Castleton Pet Parade.
Sunday’s service served as both a celebration and a reminder of the quiet but powerful role therapy dogs play in lifting spirits — one visit, and one wagging tail, at a time.
Rev. William Simon
Read by Diana Storen
Prayers for SJA Therapy Dogs St. Peter’s Church March 1, 2026
Let us pray: Dear God, We give thanks for these St John Ambulance therapy dogs. …for their gentle spirits, their steady presence, and their faithful companionship.
They serve with empathy and unconditional love, asking nothing in return.
Please bless these four-legged ambassadors of patience and calm.
Grant them strength; protect their loyal hearts, that they may continue their therapeutic duties with understanding and joy.
May their presence bring peace to the anxious, hope to the discouraged and healing to the suffering.
And finally, God, bless the loving hands that guide these devoted dogs.
We give thanks that these dedicated people have decided to share their affectionate canine partners with those who need a huggable non-judgemental friend.
Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
