The volunteers of this organization do so much for others. Without BBTD so much happiness and care would be missed out on. I know that I personally go to many locations from RWJB Children's Hospital to several assisted care locations as well as memory care and skilled nursing sites. Al of which look forward to meeting my 180# Great Dane, Duke. His body size is only surpassed by the size of his heart which he gives to all with unconditional love. Thank you BBTD for all you and all the volunteers do.
I first approached B&BTD when a friend of mine's dog became a therapy dog at school. As an orchestra teacher with an extremely sweet and well-behaved dog, I thought I just HAD to look into this! After learning the name of the organization and doing Googling, I came across B&BTD, the same organization who certified my friend's pup. I talked to June on the phone and she was so sweet. I told her about our sweet Archie, who we adopted as an adult dog, who was also blind and diabetic. I explained how he was so great with people of all ages and provided comfort to friends and family already. I got in touch with a local trainer and evaluator, Donna, and the rest was history. Archie had many great visits with our local therapy group, and also became a regular at school. Students and staff LOVED Archie! He was everyone's best friend. In May of 2023, Archie comforted my mom's dog as she was unable to stand and walk, and eventually passed. Archie would lie down by her side and be with her. He was even a therapy dog to a fellow dog, all thanks to B&BTD! Unfortunately, in the spring, Archie developed seizures, and in August of 2023, our lives changed when sweet Archie passed due to cancer. We were grateful he made it to our wedding in June as "best dog." My students were devastated, but the memory of Archie lives on in my classroom with pictures and stories. My husband, myself, and family and friends still talk about his memory. We owe a lot of gratitude to B&BTD for their wonderful organization, for creating a great network of other therapy dog teams, and for being so supportive of our therapy dogs. They were so kind to send us such a sweet card after Archie passed. To this day, I will always keep in touch and stay in the loop of B&BTD happenings! Hopefully, our new dog Milton will one day become a therapy dog, too.
I enjoy visiting Kemper House with my dog Odie I think he is enjoying all the attention he’s getting from the men and women that live at Kemper House I enjoy seeing them smile when I bring Odie to visit Sorry I can’t post any pictures of the residents of Kemper House.
This organization helped us out when we decided to leave another therapy dog group due to management issues. They have been very supportive and I am on my next gen of therapy dogs. They have always been very responsive and pleasant to deal with. This has been a great 8+ years with this group. Therapy work has helped me not only give back to the community but to forge a bond with my dog that I probably wouldn't have. otherwise In fact we have stepped it up a notch and do some crisis work as well. Comparatively speaking this has been a great group to work with and I hope to be with them many more years.
Our work as volunteers at Bright and Beautiful has been extremely rewarding for us. June Golden has been incredibly supportive and a pleasure to work with.
Our two Collies Stirling and Lucy are regular vistors at a senior dementia and alzheimers wing. The director cannot believe how much the patients enjoy and inreact with the dogs. In one case one patient cannot remember her husbands name but greets Lucy by name and with a big smile. Best of all the dogs enjoy it as much as the seniors do. This has been a very meaningful experience for Bob and I. With out Bright and Beautiful these seniors would not have the dogs.
Best
Pamela and Bob Beatty
Hunterdon County New Jersey
Pamela and Bob Beatty
I am delighted to be a volunteer with Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs after being with another organization. I felt instantly welcomed, appreciated and part of a family. The office is extremely responsive to questions and eager to help new teams succeed. June Golden and the Bright & Beautiful Staff and Directors go above and beyond in supporting volunteers.
With no local Evaluator, Bright & Beautiful’s long distance certification was easy, and the office was encouraging, professional, responsive and quick to get us certified. They send you a nice welcome package. Additionally, you have excellent insurance on your visits.
Trigger (age 15) has been a therapy dog since 2013 and Bullet (age 5) joined him in 2022. They have completed about 1400 visits and have touched countless lives. We will continue visiting as long as we are able.
I highly recommend Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs.
My dog and I have been a Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs team for several years. They are a wonderful organization dedicated to bringing joy and comfort to our communities! BnB administered the Therapy Dog exam after we finished our training, and provides support to their teams on and ongoing basis. Presently, I volunteer weekly in an elementary school. It's so touching to see how excited the kids (and the teacher!) are when we arrive.
We have had our 2 Pet Therapy goldens America (Amy) and Patriot (Patty) certified with Bright and Beautiful since 2018. Bright and Beautiful have been a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend them.
I cannot say enough about Bright and Beautiful Therapy dogs. I have been a trained member for ten years with my dog Earl. The journey I have taken started during my evaluation with a B&B evaluator. She was super in helping with some reinforcing tips along with my trainers. Every month I receive an email about upcoming events or looking for a therapy dog for someone who could use a furry visit. B&B do so much and bring so much to the community. Thank you to all for the hard work they perform!!!
I am a team that works under the Bright And Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc. They are a wonderful organization to work with. They supply the "teams" like myself, with lists of visits available.
I bring my dog to a specisl needs school twice a month. The children there have learned to be comfortable around a dog by touching my dog. Some kids are very fearful and have learned to love seeing my dog when we come now. It's amazing to see how a dog can bring a shy child out of their shell.
I highly recommend this organization, whether you would like to schedule a therapy dog visit, or you are a certified therapy team looking for a group to work under.
My wife and I have been volunteering for over a year now with our boy Casey for Bright and Beautiful. After passing our test we had a few questions about getting started and B&B was always there to answer them and lend assistance whenever we needed it.
After the first month of trying adult care facilities and the library, we were qualified to work in one of the local hospitals and the Hospice House associated with them. B&B was quick to send the hospital all the insurance information that they required.before we started. A few months ago we added another Hospital to our weekly visitations.
I am so glad that we certified with Bright and Beautiful for our journey into Therapy Dog work. The support they provide their members is second to none.
ALLY is a Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog, Since 2015, she has done over 600 program visits. In 2019 we moved to Rochester NY and she visits CP(Cerebral Palsy) Rochester, Happiness House in Canandaigua and Geneva, Rochester Rehabilitation and the Rush Public Library. It is because of the volunteer philosophy of B&BTDI that makes participation exceptional.
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We have been supported by the staff of Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs since October 2012. Our dog JACK got his CGC and then was evaluated by B&BTD. JACK provided over 500 visits to nursing homes and schools before he died of inoperable cancer in April of 2019. Our dog ALLY got her CGC and passed her test with Therapy Dogs International in June of 2015. We then had ALLY evaluated by B&BTD and her certified through B&BTD. We have always received great support the organization. ALLY has now done over 300 visits since being certified in summer of 2015. Currently she visits a program once or twice a week with children and adults who have cerebral palsy, autism, Downs Syndrome and other special needs. We are pleased to be members of B&BTD and believe in their philosophy of service.
THANK YOU Bright and Beautiful for helping us make a difference in peoples life! We have been to Fox Chase Cancer Center being able to bring a spot of happiness to an otherwise very stressful situation for many including employees. Life Skills class at our local schools and Camp Erin for kids who have or are experiencing trauma. We really do make a difference.
Also, Thank you for always answering my questions in such a kind manner!
Joyce McGettigan ~ PA
Penny is the third therapy dog I've certified through Bright and Beautiful. They are an amazing organization that helps lift the spirits of those who need it most.
Callie and I became a therapy team through B&B in 2023. We mostly visit schools and senior homes. Bringing joy and sharing her with children and adults with special needs is very rewarding. Teachers and staff are just as excited to spend time with her. We are proud to be a Bright and Beautiful therapy team!
I needed a purpose in life when I retired over 2 years ago and I found BBTD. My love for dogs and for the elderly it was just a perfect match. So I train my dog, Sam to be a therapy dog, but that only lasted a year because he passed away from cancer at seven. So, I got my other two dogs trained and they became BBTD. I am now an evaluator for BBTD because I want to see therapy dogs grow and be available to those facilities that need them. I found my purpose in my retirement life with BBTD has been extremely rewarding.
My dog, Bruce Lee, a cavalier, King Charles spaniel, was tested for certification as a Therapy Dog by the dedicated members of The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs,Inc. we have gone on to visit elementary schools, senior residences, libraries, and colleges to offer therapy dog visits. The members of Bright and Beautiful volunteer and give of their time and experience in order to allow more dog and handler therapy teams to reach more people and minister to them as only our loving and non-judgmental dogs can! I strongly support this nonprofit organization and hope you can, too. Your donation will enable the organization to reach more people to offer animal assisted therapy. And if you have a dog that you think would make a good therapy dog, please contact The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs,Inc. to inquire about requirements and testing to become a therapy dog team. You will be giving an invaluable gift to others and in return realize how much your actions will mean to those you meet and visit.
I have been a member of The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. for over twenty years. I have volunteered in the capacity as a handler, captain of different facilities, and an evaluator.
B&B brings wonderful therapy dogs anywhere they are needed to comfort, support, and bring joy to people of all ages. Whether it's a hospital, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, an airport, a school, a college, a library, or a private home, Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs are there sharing their love.
The office staff, including B&B's founder, June Golden, is very helpful in getting the dogs to where they are needed. They are also helpful in supporting the handlers who are looking for places to bring their trained and certified dogs.
I highly recommend this organization to anyone who either needs therapy dogs or wants to be a part of a wonderful opportunity to share your dog's love with others.
Greetings from Upstate New York! My dog, Silvana (Silvie, for short) have been Bright & Beautiful members since 2021 and have had nothing but positive experiences with B & B. Staff members demonstrate excellent communication skills, and respond to questions immediately with detailed answers.
Our favorite venue is volunteering at the Albany International Airport which is one of the airports across the country that has adopted a Therapy Dog Program with over 28 volunteer dog handlers who make their canines available 7 days a week. Our friendly teams road throughout the airport wherever passengers may need some calming canine love, from check-in to boarding. The program serves to make the travel experience as pleasant as possible for not just travelers, but airport support personnel as well.
"OUR DOGS HEAL" is a meaningful slogan as interaction with our dogs helps to ease stress, and brighten the traveler's day. The canines are effective at helping people who may have a fear of flying, and can turn sadness into joy by prompting smiles and laughter, especially when there are delays or weather cancellations.
Thank you, Bright and Beautiful, for the ease in working with your organization, and for the remarkable work you have been doing!
Fran Martino
Kinderhook, New York
We have had the pleasure of having six Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs over the past 11 years, and we wouldn’t change it for anything. All of us (dogs and handlers) reap rewards beyond our dreams. Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. provides encouragement, advice, education, comfort, and so much more. We currently have a one-year-old whom we plan on soon getting evaluated and joining his “siblings” on the B&B Therapy Dog adventures.
Our Therapy Dog visits frequently coordinate with goals and objectives of facilities we attend and schools’ curricula. Transformations in children and adults while interacting with the dogs are sheer magic. For us, it is a heartwarming and enriching experience.
We are often commended for the support we provide; however, we feel that we are the ones fulfilled. When we volunteer our services to facilities of varying populations, needs, and ages, it is always rewarding, as well as enjoyable, to the recipients, staffs, dogs, and us. Regular visits, special events, and diverse occasions provide experiences achievable with the support of B&B.
It is The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. that make it all possible. More and more, there are wonderful places to visit and opportunities to volunteer.
Judy and Philip Karrberg
Szva & I have been an active Therapy Dog Team since 2018 and became members of B&BTD in 2019, at the recommendation of a staff member of the AKC.
I have been training and working with dogs for over 17 years, been a member of numerous canine organizations (For Profit & Non-Profit) and I can say that this is one of the very best groups that I have been associated with. I started as a member; moved to being an Evaluator; and now have the honor of being on the Board of Directors.
The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs administration have always been very responsive to request from us in helping other dog teams to become certified to make visits as we do. I often need to have frequent contact with their office and the entire staff are most helpful. I highly recommend them as a 'Great Non-Profit' to anyone seeking information regarding them.
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I am a Certified Animal Trainer (Canine) and have been training dogs for over 16 years now. Since 2019, I have been associated with Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc, as a volunteer doing Pet Therapy in the Central Texas area. We (my dog and I) have made over 350 visits to the local VA Medical Center in Waco, along with numerous other visits to local nursing homes, hospice units, and schools. We are on the Emergency Response Team in our county to assist Fire and Law Enforcement agencies when needed; either for their staff needing comfort or to those they have responded to calls for.
Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs have always been very responsive to request from us in helping other dog teams to become certified to make visits as we do. I often need to have frequent contact with their office and the entire staff are most helpful.
It is our request that you give them your utmost consideration for the application they have submitted to you. Thank you in advance for your consideration and we hope to hear of a positive report from them soon.
Respectfully submitted,
Alan White, Executive Director
WhiteHaven Canine Evaluators
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Public Charity
EIN: 85-236855
I’ve been associated with the Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs for 20 years. I am impressed by the professionalism and caring of the volunteer dog/handler teams and the positive difference they make in the lives of others. The administrative staff who keep the organization running are also amazing.
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The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, through volunteer handlers and therapy dogs, provides an impactful and well attended monthly “Read to the Dogs” program at Placentia Library. This wonderful program has been serving the community for over 20 years and is enjoyed by many children and their families!
I have been a member of Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs for 17 years with three therapy dogs. As a director of a therapy dog program, I have dealt with the wonderful staff both as a handler and as an organization director. I am proud to be associated with such a great organization who fosters the need for accredited and registered therapy dogs.
Thank you for all you do.
Deborah Glessner
Bright and Beautiful literally changes lives!
I am proud to be part of a therapy dog team with B & B!
I am so thankful to B&BTD for providing my dog and I the opportunity to do therapy work. Since becoming certified through a verified evaluator, we make weekly visits to a local hospital. The work we do there touches countless patients, staff, and family members. It also allows my dog and I the opportunity to bond and connect with, not only one another, but many new people which leaves us both feeling rejuvenated and whole. Thanks so much Bright and Beautiful!
- Kayla and dog Mickey
This organization is easy to work with and supports a great cause! My dog and I were evaluated and certified as a Therapy Dog team about 1.5 years ago. He now attends work with me at a Behavioral Health organization once a week to engage with employees & patients, and we’ve also had the opportunity to visit a children’s camp and local schools. It’s been a wonderful experience. :-)
The Bright and Beautiful Therapy dog evaluators enabled me to meet a goal of training a therapy dog. My dog Daisy and I have been visiting children at our local children’s hospital. She makes so many people happy. And makes me so proud.
I have been part of a therapy dog team for over 10 years. It is a pleasure to work with Bright & Beautiful. They are very responsive to any questions I might have. They send out a weekly list of organizations who have contacted them wanting to have a therapy dog visit. During Covid, Bright & Beautiful kept us informed of what the best practice was and how to protect our dogs. I am very pleased and proud of the association I have had with Bright & Beautiful.
I have been involved in the world of pet provided therapy for over a decade. During this time, it has been an honor to represent several national therapy dog organizations. My relationship with B&BTD began almost four years ago when I moved from the West to East Coast. In all my years of certifying, creating groups, building relationships with facilities and volunteering with my dogs, B&BTD is who I feel is leading the pack. Their support, guidelines, integrity, education and caring for their members goes beyond any of the other organizations I have been with. Have a question? June Golden and her office members will find you an answer. Need help with making visits? B&BTD is there for you. Have a dispute and need clarification? B&BTD has an answer.
Our weekly visits are well organized and bring so much joy to others. The only way this can be accomplished on a National level is with strong leadership, great evaluators, well behaved dogs with huge hearts and handlers who know what a difference we make with every visit.
I am proud to be an B&BTD Evaluator with two Test Dogs located in North Carolina.
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I have so much respect and praise for B&BTD’s. This is a first class therapy dog organization and they set the bar high to achieve the best Teams to represent the world of Pet Provided Therapy. I moved from the west coast, where I was very involved with another therapy dog organization, to the east coast over three years ago. I did my homework to find the best organization to become involved with here. So, here I am. June and Lorna have been so supportive with me and guided me on the path to become a B&BTD Evaluator. The hearts of the Teams I volunteer with every week make me so proud. Come be a part of what we do. It will change your life…and the lives of others you visit.
My dogs and I have been part of Bright and Beautiful for over 12 years. My coonhound Champion started visits at our local hospital and was soon joined by his black lab sister, Annie, a few years later. Sadly Champion has gone to doggie heaven but Annie continues her service by attending the Read to a Dog program at our local library. She usually falls asleep as the kids read assuming it’s a bedtime story!
Love my Bright and Beautiful dogs and how much joy they share.
I have been part of BBTD for almost 20 yrs. I switched from another organization after 25 yrs because of BBTD’s reputation, friendly, knowledgeable staff and acceptance at facilities to visit!! They are the best!!
Milo and I have been with Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc for 1 year now. Milo is a 3 yr old Goldendoodle. We have received way more joy than we have given over these last 12 months. To see children and adult faces light up at the sight of Milo and to be able to give him a hug or read a story is beyond measure. We are so happy to be part of and grateful to B&B and our local chapter Happy Tails K9 Dog Therapy. We look forward to many years ahead with this organization. Thank you and continued blessings .
Cindy K and Milo
This organization is run by very rude people. The director dismissed 2 handlers and 3 dogs from the group for reporting an aggressive dog, saying “ it’s too much drama” . The director couldn’t be bothered to actually get to the bottom of the problem, she was complaining that she wanted to leave for the day. This was a disheartening event for the handlers and their dogs. These specific dogs were some of individuals favorites when going to therapy dog events. Would not recommend being a part of this “ organization” it’s a liability , they are clickey, and extremely unprofessional.
I became a therapy dog handler during the pandemic. Bright and Beautiful was great in coming up with innovative ways for me to achieve my certification. They were prompt in their communication and information that I needed to accomplish the goal. I proudly talk about working with their team and have been a therapy team with my Labrador Mingo for 3 years!
This organization is fantastic to work with. They helped us get started when no other Therapy Dog evaluators were in my area. We are enjoying our visits, and I look forward to sharing my Bloodhounds for years to come. The therapy visits are truly a stress reliever for me, and I am so grateful Bright & Beautiful has allowed us to begin this journey. They even reward us along the way at different milestones. Thank you Bright & Beautiful!
Where to begin...I have worked with animals for over 2 decades. I am a Veterinary Technician and always dreamed of having a Therapy Dog of my very own. I love dog behavior and training. My love for kids and the elderly started when I was young as well. I visited a number of church members with my Dad who was a pastor at the time. I knew then in my heart I would love to make these visits with a 4-legged companion some day. Fast forward to the process of rescuing Kimber (a hound mix) of whom I told my faithful friend "I don't want another hound...too stubborn." Well, in the words of my husband (who could do without a dog in the home) "Kimber is by far the best dog we have ever owned"!! Another dear friend asked where I was in the training process with Kimber and encouraged me to take the quiz on the B&BTD website. I immediately realized we might just be closer to our goal of testing than we expected. A huge thank you to all of the amazing volunteers/captains at B&BTD. Kimber and I have had the pleasure of serving in a local school and Senior Center for over 1 year now. I see growth in this super sweet and affectionate hound with each visit. And so many lives are touched by her presence. What an awesome experience and dream come true. My heartfelt gratitude to all of you. We look forward to many more years of service and are encouraging other potential dogs and handlers to join this great bunch of volunteers. Love, Chelsea and Kimber
My wife and I decided to get our little 15# Cavachan trained as a therapy dog. Here in Chagrin we have a number of retirement/elder care facilities and we felt that Layla could bring smiles to a lot of people. B&B did a great job preparing us for the task. She learned the skills we needed to negotiate a lot of people with walkers, canes, bed ridden and generally dealing with automatic doors, elevators and some very grabby patients. WE were all well trained.
Layla actually is excited when we get out the B&B leash. She jumps and circles knowing we're going to meet her friends. Thank you B&B.
I am a member and have been taking my dog to private residences and nursing homes. Without the backing and support of Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc, I would not be doing so.
I have a six year old Aussie named Cowboy who was made a Therapy Dog from the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs program. This organization has brought joy to many people and places! The work we do as the owners of these loving dogs is very important. The absolute joy I see when I bring my dog in is so heartwarming! Most people know him best at the public library (from Browser's Reading Buddies) and at many local nursing homes. The program also helps me as a person to feel like I am making a difference to these people. Thank you for making many lives, including my own, happier and more joy-filled!
I am the Board Secretary for The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. and have worked in the B&BTD Office since 2018. I’m writing to convey my sincere honor and privilege to be part of the B&BTD organization and be able to contribute to our mission to train and certify handlers and their well-behaved dogs to be volunteer therapy dog teams. Over the years, our thousands of members across the 50 states have provided a sense of calm, relaxation and stress reduction to a wide variety of adults and children in many types of settings.
Our organization’s mission is to be the “kinder and gentler” therapy dog organization, as we are welcoming to all breeds of dogs and mixed breeds, and handlers of all types. Our goal is to make it easy to join us, and easy to be a member and volunteer. We also put first and foremost the health and well-being of our therapy dogs and ensure that our policies and guidelines support the proper care and treatment of our teams. Our members have a lot of flexibility regarding where they choose to volunteer, and we encourage members to give back to their local communities by volunteering at places that are meaningful to them.
Our office team is supportive, and we all work hard to reinforce the goals of B&BTD and provide respect and encouragement to our members and the facilities where our members volunteer. And we have over 160 members who are willing to volunteer additional time and expertise as B&BTD Evaluators to help ensure there is a strong pipeline of certified therapy dogs available for visits. B&BTD is an excellent organization whose sole purpose is to do good for others.
Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc. is the best! I Have had several of my dogs certified by Bright and Beautiful! June Golden is the best and all the staff are so very helpful! The time I spent working with my dogs doing therapy work was truly a blessing. Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs is a blessing for all those who have therapy dogs and those that get to spent time with those dogs and handlers.
With the support of B&B, since 2009 my Shetland Sheepdogs and I have helped hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people.
My gentle therapy dogs have helped entire families overcome fear of dogs. We have helped scouts troops learn about how do I help people, and earn badges.
Elderly people living in assisted living or memory care had their days brightened, or tears stopped. We comforted frightened children at the covid vaccination clinics in town. We serve at town hall, community events, And are laying the groundwork for therapy dog programs in all Wayne elementary schools.
All this, and more, made possible with the support of Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs of NJ, Inc.
I have communicated with Program director June Golden many times over the years and she's always been gentle, encouraging and compassionate.
The therapy dog evaluators and testers also volunteer much time and energy to helping new teams get established.
I selected B&B over another well known therapy group and I'm very happy with the organizational direction and support.
I have been with Bright and Beautiful since 2007 and 5 dogs. Wonderful organization to work with and always there to answer questions. I have also become an evaluator to help others share their dogs with the public. We visits many places that accepts dogs plus do reading with the dogs at the library.
My DOGS and I have been with BBTD for almost 20 years. My first, Belle, and I started working with military families after 9/11. Two members of my team, Mario & Karen, were BBTD members, They mentored me, and subsequently tested Belle and I to become part of BBTD. We've been with Bright & Beautiful ever since. June and her organization is first rate! June has been very supportive all these years. She was an incredible cheerleader for my Belle, and was as heartbroken as I was when Belle went over Rainbow Bridge. My new guy, Remy, is walking in Belle's pawprints, and I would not go anywhere else for certifying and working but under the auspices of Bright & Beautiful. My BBTD dogs have worked with thousands of military families, including the youngest babies. I trust and recommend Bright & Beautiful for everyone looking for a certifying organization. I also feel comfortable suggesting them to people looking for someplace to donate their hard earned monies.
Wonderful group of people and their dogs.
I have 2 spottie dogs that are Bright and Beautiful Therapy dogs.
I have had two therapy dogs registered with Bright and Beautiful since 2008. Through the organization we have been able to spread cheer at hospitals, schools and community events. June Golden, the executive director, is super supportive of the volunteers. BBTD a great organization to volunteer with.
I have had 2 dogs certified by Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs. The organization is top notch and I am very proud to be a part of it. Our visits to various facilities are well received and it is heartwarming to see the loving reactions to the dogs.
12 plus years with Bright and Beautiful. Present certified therapy dogs are Rosie a Bichon mix and Willie a Maltese. Rosie has been working for about 6 years and Willie just started. Both are almost 10. Rosie was approx 3 when rescued and Willie almost 9.
Most of our visits are to the Ladacin network plus nursing homes and libraries.
Being with Bright and Beautiful has given us access to help so many people. The dogs love it and the people we visit are overjoyed to be with them. When we were able to resume visits after the lockdowns many residents were in tears.
Because we work with Bright and Beautiful therapy teams that have the same qualifications we have had no problems meeting new teams and working together. We are assured the dogs are healthy and assimilation is usually flawless, I am happy to be a part of this organization and will continue to do so as long as my dogs and I are able.
I have had 5 therapy dogs certified by The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs over the last 9 years. My dogs have completed in excess of 1500 visits during that time to hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, in home visits, military bases, emergency responders, addiction treatment facilities, etc. But most of our visits are with multiple handicapped individuals. The joy on the faces of the people we visit melts my heart every day.
The dogs provide physical therapy and encourage those with handicaps to exercise painful limbs and joints without realizing it. But the emotional benefit is just as valuable. Those that love dogs of course enjoy the visits but we also work hard to encourage those who are reluctant to interact with them. Sometimes it takes many months of tiny steps in order to succeed but ultimately my dogs have won everyone over. They are hard to resist!
Sometimes the result of a visit is truly miraculous. During one visit a young man, who for years was assumed to be unable to speak, started talking to us!
I have cried many tears after various visits but they are always tears of joy for the impact the dogs make. That is what The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs offer!
Bright and beautiful therapy dogs bring joy and happiness to so many people. I am a volunteer at the Charlotte Hungerford hospital in Torrington Ct and we get visits from this group. From our Emergency dept, ICU, regular patient floors, and Behavioral Health area…
They bring joy and happiness to those that need it most. And the staff loves them, too
Both of my dogs are Bright and Beautiful Therapy dogs. My Bichon volunteered as a therapy dog from the time she turned a year until she past away in 2021. My Pochon was a year and a half when she past her therapy test. She is now 10 and is still making therapy visits. On of my first visits was to our local library for a read to the dog program. I really didn't know how to start the program. I contacted the main office and they sent me all the information I needed. Every year before renewing your certification they ask to see your vet records to be sure you are keeping up on the required vacination. They send you the proper leash to use and proper identification. They provide insurance certificates when needed. They are a caring group that wants the best for not only the dogs but help for the handlers too. I wouldn't want to be with any other therapy group. My poochon is now involved with three school with reading programs and visits a senior center each week. Over the years we have done hospital visits, nursing homes, and special school visits. They also have a set of rules to follow to be sure you are not over working your dog or putting to much stress on the dogs.
I would like to tell you what your organization has done for me as well as others. My dog Canyon is a GSD and almost 12 years young. Both she and I have been members of B&B for many years. We joined B&B because when a family member was sick and in the hospital one of your teams visited us. It made us so cheerful and delighted. Now when we do visits, I see the look on people’s faces and it is very satisfying.
> One visit in particular I will never forget. We were visiting a nursing home and had steady clients. As we entered this patient’s room I noticed hanging on their wall 4 pictures of their family. Right next to that was a colored drawing of my dog with her name underneath!
> This organization is a fun group of volunteers that are just looking to make people happy. Did I say I was happy? YES, I’M HAPPY I AM A MEMBER OF BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL!!!
> Thank you
John R
I have been with BBTD for over 13 years now and the experience has been excellent. I have had 3 dogs certified and they love the therapy work. The joy the teams bring to the nursing homes, schools, hospitals and more is wonderful. The visits are free to all facilities and the BBTD Admin is always there to help with questions concerning testing and guidelines.
I been a volunteer for Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs for the past 12 years, June Golden the executive director and founder has been the upmost loyal, professional, and supportive leader with her guidance. She is always there for her members day and night, even on weekends and holidays.
I believe many people feel the same as I do when we say June is family. If a volunteer has a problem not just with B&BT but with anything (family, personal, etc.) she will always tell them she will pray for them and she does.
June helped make my dog a therapy dog. When I thought my dog would not pass the test, June encouraged me to try. She saw Dusty (my dog) as a therapy dog already before he took the test. She told me he was a great dog and even if he didn’t passed she would help me with training. But he passed with flying colors. Thanks to June. My dog is a therapy dog. He helped my friend after she had her hip replaced. And did a fantastic job.
I can’t say enough amazing things about June. Anyone would be fortunate enough to have June in their lives. Not just in the dog therapy world but in everyday life.
This was her dream back in 1997, that she made a reality. She is nation wide and is growing by leaps and bounds. People leave other groups to join Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc.
As the North New Jersey Core Evaluating Group lead evaluator, I wanted to take a moment to share my experience with the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog organization. As lead evaluator, I run monthly therapy dog team evaluations and although the test is the same each time, the results and experiences are always different. There are numerous challenges that we run into. But , we always have the support of the Bright and Beautiful team.
Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs is an organization that combines leadership, efficient office staff while supporting a plethora of nationwide volunteers. I, personally, thoroughly enjoy the support and partnership that allows us to make new therapy dogs teams successful....and make the world a better place!
I just finished teaching another Therapy Dog class and had the honor of preparing them to take the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog test to see if they were ready to change their lives. And happily--most of them were! It takes special people and dogs to make the grade--but doing this sort of work really changes who you are. Helping other people in this way is a special calling that is joyful and amazing. I have been involved with BBTD from its inception, and I know the kind of dedication and hard work that goes into running this organization. June Golden had a vision for this many years ago--and has managed to keep this amazing group going. Her web of support reaches across the country--and it is mind-boggling to think of how many lives she has changed. The dog handlers--learning new skills and reaching out to so many. The dogs--able to use their magical abilities to calm and affect so many lives. And the patients and people affected by their visits--Wow--the thousands and thousands whose lives are forever changed. As I tell my students during their first minutes with me, This is Immortality. You will be remembered for how you made someone feel. How you changed their outlook. And you, yourself will be changed as well.
This organization is astonishing in it's reach and dedication --and we have so much to be thankful for that it is here and available for all of us.
June and her organization are like family to me. I started with June and her staff a number of years ago and their professionalism is top notch. They respond to any and all inquiries in a timely manner and caring and considerate when faced with a member concerns.
In the past I had interaction with other similar non-profit therapy organizations and quickly left them when I learned about June and Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs. They are an AKC national recognized therapy dog organization and are viewed highly by all who have interacted with them.
I have really enjoyed my experience as a volunteer with BBTD and as an administrator who relies on their organization for support for therapy dog work at multiple locations. I appreciate their professionalism and their deep roots in responsible canine breeding and training. The evaluators with whom I've worked have been committed to best practices and education and take every opportunity to support and give guidance to those who are interested in this work. The administrative staff have always treated me with respect and courtesy. Above all, they are committed to the welfare of the animals who work alongside them. I am proud to work with them on a regular basis and highly recommend them to anyone interested in animal-assisted activities.
I have been involved with Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc. since 2011 when my first English cocker spaniel was evaluated and we began working as a therapy dog team at our local hospital. We spent 10 years working at the hospital. June Golden was nothing but supportive during that entire time. The pandemic changed many things with our work at the hospital, but June Golden continued to help us make our way through that terrible time until we were able to begin work again. By that time many of our original hospital teams had chosen to go another route. Again, June was there to see that we were as organized as we could be. I became an evaluator with Bright & Beautiful. We looked to our local elementary schools and local libraries for venues to work with our dogs. Today we are working at three libraries, two elementary districts, plus nursing homes, and various school events in our local high schools. None of this would have happened without the blessings of the Bright and Beautiful staff and their help getting us started.
I have worked with June at B&BTD indirectly for a number of years treating her personal pets as a small animal veterinarian. I have learned a lot about Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs through June over the years and am always impressed by their work in the community. I had moved several years ago but June and I have always kept in touch. I was approached by her in early 2023 to be a board member for Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. I gladly accepted. June sent me the evaluator testing manual to review and as a veterinarian came away extremely impressed in their knowledge of animal behavior, how to set the dog up for success, and how to determine which dog(s) are for the group versus not. They have done an excellent job not only with the therapy dogs but also with their community outreach. I am continually impressed by this organization and happy to play a small role in helping it remain exceptional.
Jake (golden retriever) has been a Bn B therapy dog for 8 years.He was a seeing eye dog his first two years but got career changed because of allergies. Last year, my vet said that it was degramental to his health to have one of his shots because he is a older dog. June (director) spoke with my vet and renewed his membership. My vet and 2 technicians remember Ju e calling. This year she said she did not speak with my vet last year n feels a titer test should cost $40.00 to see if Jake has the antibodies. The titer test is over $100.00 even tho June feels it should be around $40.00 and she feels she is a better judge of my dog's medical status rather than Jake's true medical doctor that actually went to medical school. I feel my vet is better educated than June in this field and she seems to have it out for Jake. My vet even wrote her a letter stating that the antibodies are still In Jake's system.
Denise Andrews
Review from Guidestar