Dax, a five-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, is no stranger to spreading joy. Since becoming a certified therapy dog in November 2022, Dax has logged over 200 visits across the Tri-State area, bringing comfort to students in K-12 schools, college campuses, and patients at local hospitals like St. Elizabeth. His work as a therapy dog has earned him a nomination for Pet of the Year, a prestigious title awarded by Pet Partners, an organization dedicated to pairing therapy animals with those in need.
Mary Sargent, Dax’s owner, initially encountered the benefits of therapy animals during a hospital stay when she learned about St. Elizabeth’s Paws for Patients program. Inspired by the impact therapy animals had on patients, Sargent acquired Dax in 2019, and by 2022, Dax was certified to bring comfort to others. Since then, the dynamic duo has become a familiar sight at schools and hospitals, with Dax even joining Pet Partners’ crisis response team to support first responders after traumatic events.
Dax’s work is not only about visits but also the deep emotional connection he builds with people. Sargent explains, “Someone could be sitting and getting the worst news of their life, and the dogs walk in, and the mood instantly changes. The dogs can sense who in a crowd needs some love and comfort.”
In addition to his hospital visits, Dax has also been dispatched to local fire stations, police departments, and a 911 call center to provide emotional support to first responders.
Sargent’s passion for therapy animals is deeply personal. She previously had a therapy dog named Loki, who made a profound impact at a Boone County middle school. After Loki passed away, Sargent was determined to continue the work and found that Dax was the perfect fit for the job.
Dax’s nomination for Pet of the Year marks his second attempt at the title, having narrowly missed it last year to a miniature horse named Darby. This year, Dax is competing alongside fellow Greater Cincinnati therapy dogs, Elvis and Rosie, in a fundraising competition to raise over $100,000 for Pet Partners’ Therapy Animal Program. The pet who raises the most funds will win the coveted title.
To support Dax and the mission of Pet Partners, donations and votes can be made through the organization’s website. Voting runs until April 14, with the goal of ensuring that therapy animals like Dax can continue to provide comfort to those in need across the country.