Written by Elise Mebel, Published in Aliance of Therapy Dogs Magazine, Spring/Summer 2024
In the heart of our community of San Luis Obispo, California, two families stand out not just for their dedication to volunteerism but for the unique bond they share with their furry companions. Anna Bates and her 15-year old son, Stevie, along with Stephanie Ruggerone and her granddaughter, Madison, have embarked on a remarkable journey as volunteers with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. What makes their story truly special is the intertwining roles of both humans and canines, forming bonds that transcend traditional volunteering.

Anna, Stevie, and their three ATD-certified Golden Retrievers (JoJo, Wayne, and Meli) epitomize the essence of family and service. Initially certified with JoJ in 2019, Anna’s journey continued with certifying Wayne (who she bred) in 2022 and finally with her third Golden Meli in 2023. Stevie (15) as a junior handler, followed suit, and certified with JoJo himself. This dynamic duo represents not only the enduring love between a mother and son but also the shared passion for spreading joy and comfort through therapy dog visits.

Their story takes on an even more unique twist as they might just be ATD’s only mother-son duo, both in human and canine capacities. The connection they share with JoJo and Wayne adds an extra layer of depth to their volunteer work, making their visits not just about providing therapy but also about family bonding and creating lasting memories.

Across town, Stephanie Ruggerone and her granddaughter Madison walk a similar path of volunteerism with their beloved therapy dogs, Sutter and Gandhi. Sutter (also JoJo’s son bred by Anna and a littermate to Wayne) adds another dimension to the intertwined relationships within the ATD community. Stephanie and Madison, like Anna and Stevie, exemplify the power of familial bonds strengthened through shared experiences in volunteering.

Their dedication to service goes beyond just their immediate family. Stephanie’s commitment to volunteering with her granddaughter showcases the importance of passing down values of compassion and empathy to future generations. Madison, at just 15 years old, carries on the legacy of volunteerism with grace and enthusiasm, certified as a junior handler with Sutter by her side.

Together, these two families are making a profound impact in their community, one therapy dog visit at a time. Their presence brings comfort to hospital patients, joy to nursing home residents, and smiles to children in schools. But it’s not just about the therapy dogs; it’s about the love, connection, and sense of purpose they bring to every interaction.

As Anna, Stevie, Stephanie, and Madison continue their volunteer journey, they serve as inspirations to others, showing that making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures but rather small acts of kindness and genuine connections. Their story reminds us of the power of family, both human and canine, in creating positive change in the world around us.