LUCY, PAISLEY, ESME

Meet Lucy—a joyful, social goldendoodle with a heart as golden as her curls. Born on October 1, 2020, Lucy has a natural gift for connection and brings light and laughter to every room she enters. Certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Lucy’s journey into therapy work began with a simple truth: she was born to bring comfort.

From a young age, Lucy showed a deep affection for people and an uncanny ability to sense emotions. She loves to greet new friends with a gentle handshake and often forms instant bonds with anyone willing to offer a scratch behind the ears. But don’t let her gentle demeanor fool you—Lucy plays fetch with Olympic-level determination and rarely lets her beloved ball out of sight. Just don’t try to take it from her—losing her ball is high on her (very short) list of dislikes, along with the smell of hot coffee and those suspiciously fuzzy caterpillars.

When she’s not spreading joy at Park Forest Middle School—where she volunteers alongside her mom, a school nurse—Lucy can be found romping with her doodle sisters, Esme and Paisley, swimming, or riding shotgun in the golf cart. Her culinary favorites include chicken, peanut butter, red peppers, and her daily dental chew, which she never forgets.

Lucy has a few surprising talents, too. She plays songs on her pet piano, carries her bone like a cigar, and celebrates bath time with full-speed zoomies through the house. Recently, she’s been learning to communicate using talking buttons—always eager to try something new. She shares her home with her two doodle sisters, including Paisley, who also serves as a therapy dog at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

As for me, I’m Allison Snyder. My nursing journey began at Mount Nittany Medical Center, where I worked in the Emergency and Operating Rooms before transitioning into Performance Improvement and Education. Today, I’m honored to continue serving the hospital and school communities through the comforting presence of our therapy dogs. I live in Julian with my husband, Tom, a local police detective, and we are the proud parents of three incredible young adult children. Watching Lucy and Paisley spread joy and healing has been one of the most rewarding chapters in our lives.

Meet Paisley—the sweet, snuggly Bernedoodle who radiates love, laughter, and personality. Born on March 18, 2022, Paisley quickly proved that personal space is highly overrated. She much prefers to be cuddled close, whether nestled beside her humans or tangled up with her doodle sisters, Lucy and Esme. With her soulful eyes and gentle spirit, she’s an instant favorite wherever she goes.

Certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Paisley began her journey into therapy work with flying colors. While she might not boast a long list of tricks, her calming presence and intuitive nature make her a natural. Paisley works in the State College Area School District alongside her mom, a school nurse, where she brings joy and comfort to students and staff alike. She’s especially beloved by students who need a little extra emotional support—often joining them for lunch, offering quiet companionship during stressful moments, and wagging her way into their hearts with her signature full-body wiggle and steady tail-thump.

Paisley is a dog who delights in the simple joys of life. She loves car rides, golf cart cruises, and splashy adventures in the pond or pool. Her Lamb Chop toy is never far from her side, and she takes great pride in carrying it around the house like a prized possession. Her favorite snacks include chewy granola bars, beef, and crunchy carrots, and there’s nothing better than ending a busy day curled up on the bed.

She’s also no stranger to a little fun flair—occasionally coming home from the groomer with a bit of “doodle paint,” adding just the right amount of sass to her sweetness. Paisley once even won a “Cutest Pet” contest (which didn’t surprise anyone who knows her), and we like to say she’d give you the bandana off her neck if you needed it.

Paisley’s presence is as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly day, and her ability to connect with people is nothing short of magical. Whether it’s through a lunchtime visit, a tail-thump greeting, or a quiet moment by a student’s side, Paisley is always ready to give her love—and ask for a little belly rub in return.

Meet Esme—the spirited sweetheart with a dazzling smile and a heart full of love. Esme joined our family in March of 2022 under special circumstances. Her original owner, Jan, was facing a terminal illness and needed to find a new home where Esme would be loved and cared for. It was an emotional transition, but Esme settled in with grace and joy, quickly becoming a beloved member of our doodle crew.

Despite the change in her life, Esme showed an inspiring resilience. She bonded instantly with her new sisters, Lucy and Paisley, and whether she’s trotting alongside them on a walk or bouncing through the yard in a full-speed game of chase, Esme is always right in the middle of the action.

Fearless and full of spunk, Esme lives life with gusto. She’s a fan of long car rides, playdates, and all things healthy. She especially looks forward to her daily evening golf cart ride—always hopping into the front seat like the little leader she is. There’s no question who’s in charge when Esme’s around!

She takes excellent care of herself—her teeth are perfectly white, and she never misses her daily dental routine. But what really sets Esme apart? Her signature smile. When she’s happy—and that’s often—she lifts her lips and flashes a toothy grin that melts hearts. We’ve never seen anything quite like it.

Esme is a bit of a food connoisseur. She’s selective about her treats and definitely knows what she likes, favoring high-quality snacks and healthy bites. And while her first home will always be a part of her story, we’re thrilled that her former housemates, Edith and Arlo, live just a quarter mile down the road. The three have had a joyful reunion, and their puppy playdates are a regular (and adorable) part of life again. We’re certain that Jan is smiling from above, watching her sweet Esme play with old friends and new family alike.

Esme’s story is one of love, resilience, and new beginnings—and her smile (and front-seat golf cart attitude) remind us every day just how beautiful that can be.