Dawn McGrath’s love of dogs can be traced back to her childhood, when the Hinsdale resident had a golden cocker spaniel, coincidentally, the same breed as her husband, Brian, had while growing up.
Now, the McGraths’ 7-year-old pet, Ginger, also is a golden cocker spaniel. And they have a 2-year-old Shetland sheepdog, Bailey.
While Ginger and Bailey don’t share a breed, they both are certified therapy dogs, trained to provide emotional support and comfort to people of different ages, such as at hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.
“Initially, I learned about therapy dogs from a couple friends of mine who were volunteering,” said Dawn McGrath, who has lived in Hinsdale for 13 years. “They had wonderful experiences in their communities. I decided to contact the Hinsdale Humane Society. I got involved with the TheraPaws Pet Therapy program and also the Pet Partners Organization.”
McGrath said Ginger was registered as a therapy dog in December 2023 and Bailey in July 2024. Along with herself, her 13-year-old twins, Brian and Kelly, are animal therapy handlers and volunteer on team visits in the western suburbs with Bailey and Ginger.
To celebrate the April 30 National Therapy Animal Day, McGrath scheduled a visit to Hinsdale Middle School. She said she finds it very rewarding to make visits with her dogs, whether to a school to see children, or a nursing home to visit residents.
“For me to give back, it’s so rewarding,” she said. “Having therapy dogs is better than I ever expected. Every visit is different and special. We’re engaging with new people and sharing the human-animal bond.
“It’s fun seeing Ginger bring big warm smiles to a class of second-graders, or Bailey comforting a man in memory care as he tries to remember his dog from childhood.”
What McGrath sees most on visits are wide eyes and big smiles.
“It feels so good to walk in with our happy dog to bring new energy to a place,” she said. “My daughter and I were on a visit with Ginger at a nursing home. A woman smiled and waved energetically with both hands motioning for us to walk the dog closer to her. As we approached her we realized she was speaking Spanish. We didn’t understand her words, but it was clear we all bonded together with love from Ginger.”
Regardless of where she’s at for visits with Bailey and/or Ginger, McGrath said the goal is to have a memorable, uplifting experience for everyone.
“When we arrive, we look around, talk with people and assess the environment,” she said “Adaptability and communication is very important on visits with children and adults.
“Sometimes, with young children, we might need to guide them and say Ginger likes soft pets on her back. In a hospital, people might appreciate a calm and quiet visit. We adapt to their needs and show compassion and patience for people. We do our best to be reassuring and finish a visit positively.”
McGrath said she very much understands and appreciates the healing powers her dogs can bring to people.
“In December 2023 I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “My faith, family, friends and dogs helped me cope with having cancer. Playing with my dogs was a distraction from the stress and anxiety I was feeling while going through the challenges of treatment. I’m a survivor and it feels good to give back and share love and comfort from my dogs with other patients.”
McGrath said many family pets would make wonderful therapy dogs.
“It really depends on the dog,” she said. “A therapy dog needs to have an obedient and calm temperament. I encourage people to visit the Hinsdale Humane Society (www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org) to learn about the requirements.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.