Therapy Dogs of Southern NH

08/16/2026

Nellie has done over 600 therapy dog visits since June 2022 and was recognized by the AKC for her dedication to bringing smiles and joy to those in need. Every week she visits an assisted living facility and two hospitals and sometimes will also visit schools, colleges, libraries, businesses and do home visits. Nellie and Bill were honored as Volunteer of the Year at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH for the joy they bring to patients and staff members. As Bill tells everyone, "This job is a WIN for the patients, a WIN for Nellie and a WIN for Bill." What a great way to spend your retirement years. See comments for additional photos.

07/24/2026

What are your plans for a fun filled summer? Therapy Dogs of Southern NH is taking turns visiting the Girl Scouts at their summer camp in Bedford, NH. Each week a different TD team visits Camp Kettleford to meet and greet the girl scouts and their camp counselors. Jean/Malcolm, Lianne/Jolene and Paul/Ernie have really enjoyed going back to summer camp again. It's been fun, fun, fun.

07/14/2026

WOW. Congratulations to Ilo and Jessica on completing 200 therapy dog visits and earning their AKC Therapy Dog Excellent title, certificate, patches and silver medal. Well done! (beautiful dog)

06/21/2026

Southern New Hampshire Hospital (SNHH) recognized Ken, Lisa and Apollo (Bernedoodle) for their therapy dog work the past two and a half years as part of the Pup Pal Program. They spread smiles and joy to patients and staff every Tuesday. What a team! https://www.facebook.com/share/1CvFmHd8sx/

Supporting mental health is a priority at Southern New Hampshire Health, and sometimes, that support comes with four paws and a wagging tail.

Meet Ken, Lisa, and Apollo Stempler, one of Southern New Hampshire Health’s beloved Pup Pals comfort dog teams.

Apollo, a Bernedoodle, has been volunteering with Ken and Lisa for about two and a half years, bringing comfort, smiles, and plenty of tail wags to patients and staff. Before becoming a Pup Pal, Apollo completed basic and advanced dog training, Canine Good Citizen and Advanced Canine Good Citizen training, and certification through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

For Ken and Lisa, volunteering is all about the joy Apollo brings to others.

“The joy we spread through Apollo and the looks on the patients’ and staff’s faces,” they shared. “If we can brighten their day for just five minutes, it’s totally worth it.”

Apollo’s favorite part? He loves people, making them happy, and soaking up every belly rub along the way.

The family’s journey as a comfort dog team was inspired by Ken’s mom, who lived in a managed care facility in California. She could not bring her dog with her, but a dog who lived next door visited her every day. Seeing the look on her face made Ken and Lisa realize they wanted to bring that same comfort to others.

Thank you, Ken, Lisa, and Apollo, for sharing your time, compassion, and comfort with our Southern New Hampshire Health community. And for anyone wondering, Apollo can be bribed with sharp cheddar, but only the aged good stuff.

Learn more about volunteering at Southern NH Health https://ow.ly/4hgb50ZeG1n

06/05/2026

Help me welcome Wendy and Callie to Therapy Dogs of Southern New Hampshire. Callie is a 7-year-old Golden Retriever and along with Wendy was certified by Pet Partners. They live in Litchfield, NH and have been volunteering at the Elliot and Concord Hospitals. Callie loves to go on therapy dog visits and is loved by all who meet her. Welcome aboard!

05/30/2026

Southern New Hampshire Hospital in Nashua, NH was one on the first places Bill and Nellie started visiting on a weekly basis in May 2022, after they were a certified therapy dog team. A very nice thank-you write-up can be found on the SNHH page.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NsHVvD4qR/

05/14/2026

Bill and Nellie were awarded the Parkland Medical Center Frist Humanitarian Volunteer Award that recognizes individuals who exemplify the organization's culture and values and have a positive impact on patients, colleagues and communities. The award was presented by the hospital's CEO, Whitney Fenyak. In addition to the certificate shown, they received a beautiful potted plant arrangement and $1,000 to go toward the charity of their choice. Bill selected the Morris Animal Foundation in Denver, Colorado for their Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, whose purpose is to determine the causes of the high rate of cancer in the breed.

04/30/2026

Sophie stole everyone's heart when she walked into St Teresa Rehab and Nursing facility in Manchester, NH. What a love bug!
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18P2wjLmHF/

04/24/2026

Bill and Nellie visited the Derry Rehab and Nursing Center in Derry, NH. What a beautiful thank you they published on their page. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EAtJmtNQC/