Old English Sheepdog "Baxter" Demonstrates Power of Pet Therapy

An Old English Sheepdog named Baxter helped steal the spotlight at the latest Reno County Community Collaboration Series event as Tara Willard shared how therapy dogs bring comfort, connection, and joy to people of all ages.

Willard, a Care Transition Coordinator, Hospice, with VitalCaring Group (formerly Traditions Home Health and Hospice), was the featured speaker for the series.Tara spoke about the growing role of pet therapy, particularly in supporting older adults and individuals facing health challenges.

At the center of the presentation was Baxter, a nearly two-year-old Old English Sheepdog and certified therapy dog who works alongside Willard, his handler and guardian home caregiver.

“Let’s face it—he’s the real professional,” Willard joked. “I just drive him to his appointments.”

Baxter is certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and trained through the Hutchinson Kennel Club. As a therapy dog, his job is simple but meaningful—visiting senior living facilities, hospitals, schools, and community events to provide comfort and companionship.

According to Willard, the impact can be immediate.

“Baxter’s job is pretty simple,” she said. “He walks into a room, he makes people smile, and he lets people pet him. Suddenly people start talking, asking questions, and their eyes light up.”

Willard explained that therapy animals can provide a range of benefits for older adults, including reducing loneliness and anxiety, boosting mood, encouraging movement, and stimulating conversation and memories.

“That’s the magic of therapy dogs,” she said. “They don’t just bring comfort - they bring memories and connection.”

She shared stories from visits with residents in senior living communities, describing how Baxter’s presence often encourages people to open up and share stories about pets they once loved.

In one visit, she recalled meeting a resident who rarely spoke or responded to others. When Baxter approached, the man’s reaction surprised everyone in the room.

“His face lit up, he smiled, and he reached out to pet Baxter,” Willard said. “The nurse told me she had never seen him respond like that before.”

Moments like that demonstrate the emotional and even physical benefits of pet therapy. Studies show that interactions with animals can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and increase oxytocin—the body’s natural “feel-good” hormone.

Willard also discussed the differences between therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support animals, explaining that therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort to many people in community or care settings.

In her hospice work, she said therapy dogs can offer a unique kind of support when words are difficult.

“In hospice we can’t always change the outcome,” she said. “But we can change the moment.”

Throughout the program, attendees shared stories about dogs they had owned over the years, creating a warm and lively conversation about the bonds people form with animals.

Willard closed by encouraging anyone interested in therapy dog visits to reach out, noting that animals can often connect with people in ways that traditional care cannot.

“Dogs don’t care about diagnoses or limitations,” she said. “Sometimes the simplest medicine has four legs and a lot of hair.”

Cara Conaway, Information and Outreach Program Coordinator, Reno County Department of Aging,  gave updates on the upcoming Community Collaboration Series talks in April through August, but she announced that will be leaving Reno County and thanked attendees for their continued support of the program.

Cara Conaway

2026 Community Collaboration Series

Save the Dates:

April 4-16-26 
Hope Jordan - Specialized Home Care
Senior Living Decisions

May 5-21-26
Paula Miller - Pleasant View Home
Nutrition

June 6-18-26
Alisha Smith and the Gentiva Team
Hospice 101

July 7-16-26
Sara Nolan - Stay Your Way
The Future of Aging

August 8-20-26
Jeff Thomson - Interfaith Housing
Home repairs and safety measures

Please RSVP to the Reno County Department of Aging at 620-694-2911