Portland nonprofit Pile of Puppies brings litters of puppies to the homes of children facing long-term or serious illnesses to lift their spirits. The group was created by Jennifer Trepanier, who grew up managing a chronic condition and later developed an autoimmune disorder. Her idea came after a surprise visit with a coworker’s puppies left her feeling unexpectedly joyful.
The organization operates on a yearly budget of about $55,000, generated from donations, fundraisers, and grants, and organizes roughly 2,000 visits each year. Volunteers set up a cozy playpen, help each child settle in, then let the puppies tumble in beside them. Julia Stults, a 16-year-old with an inflammatory condition, says her visit with the puppies was a bright spot during a tough stretch of illness.
Her mother, Dina Stults, shares that the experience has helped her daughter open up again, and she now volunteers to help organize future visits. Each session is tailored to what brings comfort to the child and the cuteness overload is undeniable.
Source: GOOD NEWS NETWORK