From Puppy Kisses to Therapy All Star

Meet Espy, Cuddler-in-Chief of the Pet Hug Pack®

“He’s always been patient and unflappable, especially around kids. We realized those qualities weren’t just great for us at home, they were exactly what makes a great therapy dog.”

If Espy had a LinkedIn, his headline would read: Professional Mood-Booster, Specializing in Kids and Cuddles. This six-year-old sweetheart joined Joybound’s Pet Hug Pack® in 2024, but his road to therapy dog stardom started long before that.

Back in 2019, Stanley and his wife spotted a litter of puppies on Joybound.org and rushed over. By the time they arrived, only one pup remained. An adorable 9-week-old then named Honor. ” We knew he was our dog as soon as he kissed us as we held him in our arms,” Stanley recalled.

From the start, Espy had a calm, steady vibe. “He’s always been patient and unflappable, especially around kids,” Stanley says. “We realized those qualities weren’t just great for us at home, they were exactly what makes a great therapy dog.”

A few years later, they signed up for the Pet Hug Pack®. Stanley says it was “a chance for Espy to share his gentle nature with the community.” True to form, Espy sailed through Joybound’s basic obedience and Canine Good Citizen training with ease.

Today, this mellow charmer spends his days visiting schools from kindergarten to college, radiating calm like it’s his superpower.

One memorable visit? A local church shelter, where Espy formed an instant bond with a young child experiencing homelessness, melting hearts (and probably stealing snacks) in the process.

Stanley swears Espy knows when he’s ‘on duty.’ With his vest on, his attitude turns professional. The result? A dog who’s both humble and proud of the joy he brings.

Wanna Join the Pack?

“If you know your dog is great with people, can adapt to different situations, and you want to find a way to volunteer your time, go for it!” exclaims Stanley.

Note: This article was featured in the Fall 2025 issue of Joy Magazine. With a gift of just $25 to Joybound, you can be added to our mailing list and receive Joy in your mailbox for one year!