How One Pup Grew Up to Help Thousands of Children
Who Would Have Thought …
That one little pup would grow up to be the founding fido of the highly-respected, all-volunteer therapy dog organization: Roxy™ Therapy Dogs?
Founded in 2005 by Diane Smith and Roxy, the Boykin Spaniel, Roxy Therapy Dogs is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our five programs (see right) provide an irreplaceable and dependable support system for children in the Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania community, at no charge to the organizations or taxpayers.
“The impact of Roxy Therapy Dogs on my first-grade students has been astounding. Even my most reluctant reader can’t wait to pick out his books to read to Anya.”
“Roxy dogs visited my Stress Management and
Healthy Living course for three years. I have watched what I’ve read about dogs – they can reduce blood pressure, lower stress hormones, increase oxytocin, respiratory and cardiovascular health. Having Roxy dogs give my students comfort and a chance to relax is priceless.”
Roxy’s Legacy Lives On With YOU
Roxy working her magic in the early days, helping children to be more confident and skilled readers.
Roxy passed away in 2019 at the age of 15. Thanks to our selfless volunteers and generous donors, her legacy lives on in the Roxy Therapy Dogs organization.
“Even some of our most medically compromised children, who rarely respond to stimuli, are seen smiling and calming during their interactions with the dogs. Your volunteers have hearts of gold.”
PLEASE SUPPORT THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO BENEFIT FROM ROXY THERAPY DOGS — FREE OF CHARGE.
MAKE A DONATION OF ANY SIZE TODAY.
Roxy by the Numbers
“Roxy therapy dogs and their owners are an elite group of citizens who provide an extraordinary service to our community.”
Roxy’s Five Programs Bring Comfort and Support to Thousands of Area Children
Elementary School Reading Inspiration Roxy’s flagship program gives young readers a chance to read aloud to a furry friend in small groups or one-on-one on a weekly basis. Dogs don’t judge or correct, but serve as a calming influence, building students’ confidence, improving reading skills, and fostering a love of reading.
Student Specialized Support Students in Autistic, Multiple Disability, Life Skills, and Emotional Support classes benefit from regular Roxy visits that help them maintain a sense of calm, become open to stimuli and learning, while increasing social competence and developing empathy.
Secondary School Stress Relief High school students struggling with stress and anxiety benefit from the much-needed support and compassion provided by Roxy visits as part of Stress Management classes, organized support groups, and during exam times.
Courthouse Companionship At the Bucks Co. Courthouse, Roxy therapy dogs comfort children navigating Dependency Court or who are victims of violent crime. Able to relax and remain calm with a dog by their side, children await their appointment to appear before a judge. On occasion, dogs are invited into the courtroom.
Pediatric Comfort Roxy teams bring joy to children in hospital and healthcare settings. Roxy visits calm their fears, give them a break from medical procedures, and ultimately speed the healing process. Read more about the programs.
A Brief History of Roxy
October 2005
Roxy visits her very first class!
October 2006
Roxy Reading was founded and named by students with 2 teams in 2 classes
Winter 2010
Courthouse Companionship program begins
January 2014
Pediatric Comfort program begins at Pedia Manor
September 2014
Pediatric Comfort program expands to Doylestown Hospital
May 2015
Roxy receives Certificate of Recognition from CBSD
October 2015
Roxy’s 10th Anniversary!
December 2015
Secondary School Stress Relief program begins
June 2016
Roxy Comfort Dog Day declared in Bucks County
May 2018
Exclusive partnerships established between Roxy and CBSD, Pedia Manor, and Doylestown Hospital Pediatrics
October 2019
Roxy grows to 81 teams in 20 schools and 140 classes