On the Road with Dunkin
This month, Dunkin and I had the opportunity to serve on two very special trips. We made our first visit to Baptist Health Walker in Jasper, Alabama, where we spent time bringing comfort, encouragement, and a little joy to patients, families, and staff. We then traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, at the request of The Salvation Army to provide Crisis Response support following a difficult incident.
On both journeys, Dunkin did what he does best—offering unconditional comfort and connection to those who needed it most. We were also blessed to give eight Dunkin Comfort Pups to some very special individuals who could use a little extra comfort to carry with them.
We are grateful for every opportunity to serve and for the many people who make these journeys possible!
Dunkin’s First Orlando Health Visit
It has been a long journey to become part of Orlando Health’s Pet Therapy Program, but we did it! We were thrilled to make our first visit to Baptist Health Hospital in Jasper, Alabama, which was recently acquired by Orlando Health.
Since the hospital is more than an hour from home, we decided to make the most of our trip by camping overnight and visiting for two consecutive days. It was an incredible two days filled with wagging tails, smiles, and meaningful connections.
Together, we had more than 120 interactions with patients, families, visitors, and staff—and we were honored to give two Dunkin Comfort Pups to individuals who needed a little extra comfort to take with them.
We are so excited about this new opportunity to serve through Orlando Health and look forward to many more visits with Dunkin!
A Call to Serve in Norfolk
We had a brief introductory Zoom call with The Salvation Army regarding a new Emotional and Spiritual Care Cadre they were forming—and we were honored to be invited to join!
Just one week later, a tragic incident occurred at one of their Kroc Centers, community recreation and wellness facilities, in Norfolk, Virginia. We were asked to travel to Norfolk to support their staff through the Critical Incident Stress process.
After a two-day drive, Dunkin and I arrived ready to serve. During the debriefing, Dunkin provided a calming presence and a source of comfort and connection as the staff processed a very difficult experience. Several Dunkin Comfort Pups were placed on the table, and each participant chose one to hold throughout the session. Meanwhile, Dunkin quietly rested at the feet of the facilitator, offering his gentle presence throughout the conversation.
It was a privilege to be invited into such a difficult moment and to witness how something as simple as a comforting dog—and a little extra support—can help people feel less alone.
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Help Us Keep Serving
Your support helps keep Dunkin and me on the road and ready to serve when we’re needed. Our recent Facebook Marketplace fundraiser raised more than $500 through the sale of donated items, and we are incredibly grateful! If you’re local and have items you no longer need, consider donating them to our next Facebook Marketplace fundraiser—I’ll do the selling, and the proceeds will help fund our ministry.
You can also support us through Venmo to help with gas and travel expenses or to purchase more Dunkin Comfort Pups for those who need a little extra comfort.
Every contribution helps us continue bringing comfort, connection, and hope wherever we are called to serve.
