Imagine walking into a hospital room where a child is facing unimaginable pain or an elderly patient sits isolated and alone, longing for a comforting touch. In these moments, a therapy dog enters the room—soft fur, gentle eyes, and an unspoken connection that transcends words. The atmosphere shifts. Fear turns to comfort, sadness to joy, and isolation to companionship. Therapy dog teams are not just visiting for a few moments; they are transforming lives, one paw print at a time.

But behind every wagging tail and soothing presence is a dedicated team—one human, one dog—working tirelessly to bring this gift of healing. What often goes unnoticed are the countless hours these teams spend training, traveling, and preparing for these visits. Each visit represents more than a brief encounter; it’s a commitment of time, love, and substantial financial resources.

The costs involved can get expensive. Veterinary care alone can reach thousands each year, as these dogs need to remain in top health to continue their life-changing work. Routine check-ups, vaccinations, emergency care—it all adds up quickly. On top of that, there’s the expense of specialized supplies, from high-quality food to harnesses, leashes, and vests, all designed to keep therapy dogs safe and comfortable during their visits.

And then there’s travel. Therapy dog teams often travel great distances to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster sites. The mileage racks up, along with the wear and tear on vehicles. gas, insurance, and maintenance—all of it adds another financial burden on these teams, who often pay out of their own pockets just to bring a moment of peace to those in need.

All of this comes on top of the time these handlers dedicate—often taking time off work, away from their families, and sacrificing personal leisure—to train, travel, and ensure that their therapy dog is ready to bring love and healing wherever they go. Many therapy dog handlers are volunteers, driven not by compensation but by the desire to make a difference.

This is where the Delilah Foundation steps in. Founded in memory of Delilah, a therapy dog who left an indelible mark on the world, this foundation is committed to easing the financial strain on therapy dog teams across the U.S. By donating, you’re not just helping with costs—you’re giving life to more visits, more moments of comfort, and more opportunities for healing.

Your support can mean that a therapy dog team is able to continue their life-saving work without the worry of vet bills piling up, or the next tank of gas being out of reach. It means more children, veterans, patients, and those in need can experience the incredible, unconditional love of a therapy dog.

We cannot let these unsung heroes carry this burden alone. They give everything to brighten the lives of others; now it’s our turn to give back. Please consider supporting the Delilah Foundation, so that therapy dog teams can continue spreading love, comfort, and healing wherever it’s needed most.