In June 2018, our team grew by four paws with the launch of Project Puppy Love.  Partnering Paws & Affection, a nonprofit in the Philadelphia area that trains and places service, companion, and facility dogs, we started an attachment-based canine-assisted therapy program for adoptive and foster families with one of their expertly trained dogs.

Through Project Puppy Love, we invite children and their grownups who may find connection to be a challenge to safely connect with a dog and then expand those connection skills to better reach each other. Louie’s natural temperament and learned skills made him the perfect dog to work alongside Kelly to serve families.

In December 2022, a second golden retriever named Banks joined our pack.  Under Louie’s careful tutelage, Banks developed from a caffeinated pup to a gentle and careful cotherapist.

Louie died in September 2025, prompting a lot of big sads and leaving a big gap. Banks has carried the work forward beautifully. We love all that incorporating him into our work with children and grownups offers us. And, like Louie did, he brings a whole lot of joy (and English cream hairs) to this place.

Louie had a voice, and Banks does too. You can find him on Instagram @ProjectPuppyLove.