Kristin Sapinski helps bridge the gap between patients and comfort through her work with St. John Ambulance’s therapy dog program in Portage la Prairie. Unlike service dogs trained for specific medical tasks, therapy dogs provide emotional support in hospitals, schools, and care homes.
"Therapy dogs go into hospitals, schools, [and] homes to offer emotional support and comfort," she notes. "They’re not service dogs—they’re two separate things."
How therapy dogs make a difference
Sapinski’s dog, Ferrari, a large but gentle German Shepherd, specializes in adult patient visits at local hospitals.
"Some people are taken aback by his size, but once they meet him, they absolutely love him," she says. "Patients would love for him to stay on their bed all day. He brings so much joy—it’s rewarding to see their smiles."
The science behind animal-assisted therapy, she explains, lies in its ability to reduce stress.
"When I see a dog, I’m just happy. They take away your thoughts and bring happiness to your day," Sapinski adds.
Visits typically last two hours, with Ferrari offering comfort in hospital wards or during staff appreciation sessions.
Volunteer-driven program seeks more teams
Margaret Warner, a volunteer administrator for the program, emphasizes its community-driven model.
"Orientation meetings are free and open to the public—no commitment required," she says.
Interested volunteers can learn about training, facility visits, and special events like the Manitoba Winter Fair or university mental health days.
The next orientation in Portage la Prairie is scheduled for May 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the local library for those interested in volunteering.
"We’re always looking for volunteers," Warner continues. "Optimal commitment is weekly or biweekly visits, but even helping at events makes a difference."
Rigorous training ensures safety and comfort
Both handlers and dogs undergo evaluations to ensure they’re suited for therapy work. Dogs must be calm, obedient, and comfortable around medical equipment, while handlers need criminal record and child abuse registry checks.
"It’s team-based—you can’t just take any dog into a facility," Warner notes. "The dog must handle elevators, slippery floors, and crowds without stress."
Sapinski’s Ferrari, for example, completed a year of adult visits before qualifying for broader assignments.
"The dogs provide distraction in high-stress environments," Warner adds. "Research shows petting a dog releases stress-relieving hormones—it’s science and joy combined."
How to get involved
The program welcomes all dog breeds, provided they pass health and temperament checks. Volunteers use their own pets, fostering deeper bonds during visits.
"It’s your dog, but you’re a team," Warner says. "We build relationships by showing up consistently—that predictability matters to patients."
For Sapinski, the impact is personal.
"He’d stay on their beds all day if he could," she says. "But seeing those smiles? That’s everything."
Interested volunteers can visit St. John Ambulance’s website or contact Warner for details.
As Sapinski puts it: "Dogs don’t fix everything—but they make the hard moments a little softer."
