The NKHS Comfort Crew - Therapy Dogs bring comfort, confidence, and connection at NKHS
Among the therapists' offices and waiting rooms, two very special employees offer a different level of care. They don't write treatment plans or give sage advice, but their presence is just as vital. Their names are Truman and Mildred—and they happen to have four legs, wagging tails, and hearts overflowing with compassion.
Mildred, a 1.5-year-old rescue named after Nathaniel's grandmother, trots into the Children and Youth Center on McGoff Hill in Lyndonville. Each morning, Mildred makes her rounds, greeting staff before she starts her day.
"She's super sweet," Nicole, one of the team members, says. "The kids all love her."
It's true. Whether it's Alex talking about how "calm and chill" she is, or Dakota saying that "She's a good listener", Mildred has a way of melting even the most guarded hearts.
In therapy sessions, she offers silent, steady companionship. Some children with challenging home lives find it easier to be brave with their words when they have a dog like Mildred by their side. Dogs are great at giving unconditional love, which is why Nathaniel wanted to bring a therapy dog into this work.
"She lightens the mood when I talk about things that are hard," Dakota said, curled next to her. "I can snuggle her anytime."
But Mildred is not just a passive companion—she teaches, too. Responsibility. Leadership. Trust. The kids practice giving her commands: "Sit." They clip on her lead carefully. "Release." She only moves when the child says the word. It's not just about dog training, it's about learning how to lead with kindness, respect boundaries, and work as part of a community.
Nathaniel says, "She supports the staff as well. The work we do is hard, and Mildred brings this positive energy that reminds us not to dwell on the negative." Sometimes, a coworker will stop in to grab Mildred for a lap around the yard.
At the NKHS St. Johnsbury office in the Adult Outpatient area, Truman likes to curl up in Senior Therapist John Andrews' office. Truman's been with John since he was a nine-week-old rescue pup—his quiet, "presidential" presence earned him the name Truman from the start.
He doesn't need to do much to work his magic. A soft sniff. A slow, steady wag. That's usually enough to bring a sense of calm to anyone who enters. He's a gentle buffer and silent partner in progress.
"People tend to relax when they're around animals," John says. "They lower their defenses. I had someone start to become reactive, their voice rising. When they saw how Truman was reacting to their elevated tone, the person softened right away. They didn't want to upset him."
Truman doesn't just stay in the office. He makes quiet rounds by the waiting room and down the halls of NKHS, greeting those who need distraction, comfort, or just a moment of peace.
Truman and Mildred are both graduates of Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Their training and dedication contribute to the work done at NKHS. They're not therapists in the traditional sense, but their impact is undeniable, offering quite presence and peace.
It's not always easy to be open in therapy. It takes courage to seek help. Mildred and Truman are happy to sit beside anyone, offering compassion and strength.
