Human-Animal Bond in Colorado - HABIC Volunteer Stories

Mary and Dave Hattis’ experiences with animal-assisted services began long before Jasper and Denali became part of their family. As a dedicated puppy raiser for Leader Dogs for the Blind, Mary has helped shape the futures of many service dogs. Now Jasper and Denali work as therapy animals at Poudre Valley Hospital.

This dedicated duo volunteers with HABIC at Good Samaritan Society – Loveland Village, bringing comfort and companionship to residents and healthcare staff each week. Amos’s journey is truly inspiring—Jeri shares how he “beat the odds” to excel in therapy dog training.

From a serendipitous encounter on social media to becoming a dedicated therapy dog team with HABIC, discover how Indie’s unique bond with her family has enriched not only their lives but also the lives of countless others in the community!

After her dog Havarti needed to be ‘career changed’ from being a service dog, Nancy Loos knew volunteering in their local school would make a difference, both for this sweet Labrador who loves to work, and for the students who benefit from animal-assisted therapy with Havarti.

Meet Hatch, a Labrador Retriever whose journey from puppyhood to becoming a Human-Animal Bond in Colorado – HABIC therapy dog at Poudre Valley Hospital is a remarkable tribute to the power of the human-animal bond.

When not comforting patients in a medical clinic waiting room or visiting a local hospital, therapy dog Oso enjoys well-deserved time snoozing on the couch and sunbathing in HABIC volunteer Lucy Nuremberg’s backyard. The pair make a difference in their community by volunteering with HABIC.

Icy started out life as a well-loved breeding dog. She was ready for retirement when HABIC volunteer Ann Kusic and her husband decided to adopt this sweet Standard Poodle, with the softest light grey-colored coat that inspired her name. Now they’re making a difference as a therapy dog team at Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center and The Denver Hospice.

As one of the HABIC dog teams certified during the Covid pandemic, Abby Schwab and her mini Doodle Mischa bring exceptional dedication to their work with patients at The Denver Hospice.

Representing the best qualities of his breed, American Staffordshire Terrier Tig absolutely loves bringing joy to people of all ages while working as a therapy dog.

After being left at a shelter in Los Angeles, Winston was brought to Colorado by Pat Athey to begin a new life as a therapy animal.

Michael Beck-Gifford has a passion for working in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) settings and making a difference in the lives of children and families in Fort Collins.

Following a career in nursing, Kathy McNaught and her dog Winnie began volunteering with HABIC in 2017 to support individuals and families in their local community.

A rescue cat with a special personality and the love of his new family offers support as a therapy animal for Colorado communities.

Summer, a Golden Retriever, loves to give comfort to others and immediately encourages people to pet her when she’s working as a therapy dog.

“HABIC is a worthwhile program which allows one to give back to the community and improve the lives of others,” said Boyles.

Jacqueline Rusho and her rescued Great Pyrenees dog Sophie developed a special bond with senior residents of long-term care facilities.

It takes a very special HABIC team to volunteer to work in a hospice setting. One such team is Susie Davis and her Golden Retriever, Gracie.

Kathleen Huggins and her dog Jimmy volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Denver Hospice. Jimmy is a rescue from Denver Dumb Friends League who now excels in his two jobs as a therapy dog.

Anndevoy Ryan and her dog Fingal received their HABIC certification and began working at Green House Homes at Mirasol, a skilled nursing care facility, in Loveland, Colorado.

CSU student Emily Oltmanns and her service-trained dog Jackson volunteer with HABIC. Life as a therapy dog is the perfect job for Jackson.