CARE Therapy Dogs

10/06/2026

🐾 CRC CARES in Iowa 🐾

K9 Kassie had a wonderful time joining the Giving Foundation team at UnityPoint Health in Iowa for their Giving Campaign Celebration!

Kassie made her way around visiting with staff, patients, and visitors, sharing plenty of love and smiles along the way. ❤️

We love seeing our CRC CARES teams out in their communities making connections and brightening the day of those they meet. Great job, Kassie! 🐾

10/05/2026

🐾 **CRC CARES in Iowa!** 💙

Our Iowa CRC CARES teams recently attended the Collaborative Conference, coordinated by our Iowa Team Lead, Shelley.

Mary & K9 Lucy and Beth & K9 Kirby spent the day connecting with attendees, providing canine comfort, and sharing more about Crisis Response Canines and the services available throughout Iowa.

The Collaborative Planning Team shared that attendees appreciated the opportunity to learn more about CRC and experience firsthand the comfort and calm Lucy and Kirby brought to the conference.

We’re proud of Shelley, Mary & Lucy, and Beth & Kirby for representing CRC CARES and continuing to build meaningful connections throughout Iowa. 🐾💙

09/22/2026

Mary and Lucy had a wonderful CARES Therapy Dog visit, connecting with 33 staff members and 12 patients and family members. Lucy received a warm welcome from the staff and brought plenty of smiles, comfort, and calm to everyone she met.

07/23/2026

Beth and K9 Kirby recently spent time visiting a group home, bringing comfort, smiles, and meaningful connections to the children and dedicated staff.

The visit left a lasting impression, with the supervisor and volunteer liaison sharing, “I’ve never had a bad pet therapy visit, but this was exceptional!”

Moments like these remind us of the difference a well-trained canine team can make. Thank you, Beth and Kirby, for representing CRC CARES and sharing kindness, comfort, and joy with everyone you meet. 🐾💙

07/15/2026

There is nothing better than seeing the impact our teams have on the people they serve.

Beth and K9 Kirby recently visited the HHS Lucas Building, bringing smiles, comfort, and a welcome break to staff throughout the day. Sometimes all it takes is a wagging tail and a few quiet moments to remind someone they’re supported.

Thank you to Beth and Kirby for representing CRC CARES and making a difference, one visit at a time. 💙🐾

07/13/2026

Nothing makes us smile more than seeing our teams out making a difference! 💙🐾

Angie and Alice are proudly wearing their new CRC CARES bandanas as they head off for another day of therapy visits at the hospital. Every visit brings comfort, connection, and a little extra brightness to patients, families, and healthcare staff.

Thank you, Angie and Alice, for representing CRC CARES with such compassion and heart. We hope you have a wonderful day sharing smiles, comfort, and lots of tail wags! 💙

06/20/2026

🐾💙 Kassie enjoyed visiting the hospital tonight! She loves all the attention she receives while sharing comfort, smiles, and calm moments with patients and staff.

Whether it's a gentle nuzzle, a wagging tail, or simply being present, Kassie is always happy to brighten someone's day. Thank you to the dedicated healthcare teams and patients who welcomed her during her visit tonight. 💙🐾

06/12/2026

CRC CARE Therapy Dogs in Action at the Principal Charity Classic!

CRC CARE Therapy Dog Lucy and her handler, Mary, recently spent time spreading smiles at the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa, a PGA TOUR Champions event dedicated to making a difference in the community.

Each year, the Principal Charity Classic positively impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth through support of education and culture, financial security and stability, and health and wellness initiatives. Since 2008, the tournament has raised more than $73 million for local charities and community programs.

Lucy and Mary were honored to support the UnityPoint Health booth during the tournament, bringing comfort, connection, and plenty of smiles to attendees throughout the event.

Thank you to Mary and Lucy for representing CRC CARE so wonderfully, and to everyone who helps make the Principal Charity Classic such a meaningful and successful event!

05/14/2026

So proud of Walter!!!

Our newest therapy dog showed up for his first shift at Iowa Methodist Medical Center today. Please help us welcome Walter. He’s already making quite an impression😍

Image description: A small brown dog looking at the camera with a blue bandana around his neck that says “Walter”.

04/11/2026

Powerful moments of relief, connection, and support 💙🐾

Our CRC CARES teams had the privilege of spending time with Occupational Therapy students at Des Moines University—bringing comfort when it’s needed most. These visits are more than just moments…they’re meaningful reminders that no one has to carry stress alone.

We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with Des Moines University and honored to support the next generation of healthcare professionals. Thank you for welcoming us!