#United States #New York #mental health #Therapy Dogs #Good Dog Foundation

Good Dog Gala: A Celebration of Healing through Therapy Dogs

On May 13, 2025, the Edison Ballroom in New York City transformed into a vibrant hub of joy and compassion as hundreds of guests gathered for the annual Good Dog Gala. This special event aimed to raise vital funds for The Good Dog Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to incorporating therapy dogs into healing practices across the Greater New York/Tri-State area. The enthusiastic involvement of both guests and therapy dogs highlighted the event's significance in supporting animal-assisted therapy for those in need.

A Night of Awards and Recognition

One of the gala's prominent features was the presentation of the Annual Healing Awards, honoring three partner organizations for their exceptional use of therapy dogs to assist those in challenging situations. This year, The Juilliard School, the Ulster Regional Drug Treatment Court, and Barclays were celebrated for their commitment to improving mental health and well-being through the comfort of therapy dog visits. Acceptance speeches from representatives of these institutions underscored the profound impact of therapy dogs—helping individuals ranging from stressed students to recovering addicts find solace and support.

The evening also showcased a short documentary titled "Dogs Who Save The World," shedding light on the heartwarming and transformative experiences made possible through the work of therapy dogs in the award-winning organizations.

Addressing a Growing Crisis

Bruce Fagin, the Executive Director and Chief Advancement Officer of The Good Dog Foundation, shared insights about the increasing demand for therapy dogs in the context of escalating anxiety and depression rates in the U.S. According to Fagin, over half of all adults report experiencing anxiety and 41% report depression, with rates even higher among younger populations. Understanding the significant role therapy dogs play, Good Dog aims to enhance its volunteer therapy dog teams, needing to double its current capacity to meet the demand.

"Good Dog is straining to respond to an epidemic of anxiety and depression, and our current 330 volunteer therapy dog teams have limited capacity to serve our 300 partner facilities," Fagin noted. Recruiting, training, and certifying new therapy dog teams costs around $1,000 each. The funds raised during the gala are set to facilitate the expansion needed to reach more individuals suffering from emotional and mental health challenges.

The Benefits of Therapy Dogs

Testimonials from representatives at Juilliard and Barclays highlighted how therapy dog visits have made a significant difference in their environments. Nshyira Korankyi from Juilliard spoke of how these visits provide a comforting presence for students during stressful times, noting, "I feel like I'm home" is a common sentiment expressed by students when interacting with the therapy dogs.

At Barclays, Betty Gee emphasized that the wellbeing of colleagues is critical to commercial success, and therapy dog visits have proven to be a straightforward, effective way to combat workplace stress. The enthusiastic response from employees during therapy dog visits is palpable, creating a buzz of excitement throughout the organization.

Therapeutic Effects of Dogs

Rachel McPherson, the founding president and Chief Science Officer of The Good Dog Foundation, provided insights into the science behind the benefits of therapy dogs. She explained that interactions with therapy dogs can stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to increased feelings of joy, trust, and social bonding. Such positive interactions can enhance cohesion in workgroups, improve morale, and even boost productivity—a welcome benefit in educational and corporate settings alike.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Gala

The Good Dog Gala was not only an enjoyable evening filled with jazz performances, a silent auction, and fine dining; it marked a significant step towards addressing pressing mental health issues through the healing power of therapy dogs. The joy experienced during the "Therapy Dog Love Sessions" served as a poignant reminder of the unique bond humans share with these remarkable animals, leaving guests with a sense of fulfillment and euphoria as they became part of a worthy cause.

As Good Dog looks to expand its reach, those interested can learn more about supporting the organization or becoming a volunteer through The Good Dog Foundation’s website. By doing so, they can contribute to a mission that helps over 100,000 people annually recover from emotional distress, making a meaningful difference in the community.