Our Dogs

Our Trailblazing Comfort K9

Born on July 8, 2024, Halligan is the very first official comfort dog for Ember’s Paws of Hope, and she’s already leaving pawprints on hearts across Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 🐶💙

A rescue with a resilient spirit, Halligan may be mostly deaf, but she hears what matters most: the unspoken needs of those who are hurting. With her calming presence and patient soul, she’s a natural at comforting first responders, veterans, and healthcare heroes.

Halligan is proudly named after Ember’s mom, a legendary Dalmatian who held the title of Pennsylvania’s #1 Dalmatian and served faithfully as a CISM and therapy dog. That legacy of healing lives on through Halligan as she follows in her mom’s pawsteps.

Handled by Tim Nickels, Halligan is more than a symbol, she’s the heart of our mission and a true reminder that second chances (and four-legged support) change lives.

📸 Photo Credit: Tim Greenway Photography – thank you for capturing the heart of our mission through your lens.

Big heart. Soft fur. Serious snuggles

Orion is a lovable Labrador Retriever whose number one goal in life is simple: make as many friends as possible. Luckily for him (and everyone who meets him), that mission lines up perfectly with his work as a therapy dog. Whether he’s lounging at a fire station, comforting a veteran, or showing up at Memorial Day services with quiet strength, Orion brings warmth and connection wherever he goes.

Named after the Orion constellation, this pup carries a deeper meaning. His handler, Annie, chose the name during her own journey with post-traumatic stress, a time when the stars became a symbol of hope and resilience. Just like his namesake, Orion now shines bright for others, offering comfort, companionship, and a reminder that healing is possible.

With a goofy grin, a heart of gold, and paws full of purpose, Orion is truly a light in the darkness for those he serves.

Comfort Dogs: Heartfelt Support, Backed by Science

Comfort dogs aren’t just cute, they’re powerful partners in healing. Research indicates that interactions with therapy animals can lead to significant chemical changes in the brain, which help reduce stress, lower anxiety, and enhance overall emotional well-being.

When a person spends time with a comfort dog, the brain releases oxytocin, often called the "bonding hormone," which promotes feelings of trust, safety, and connection. At the same time, levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, can decrease, helping people feel calmer and more grounded. These natural shifts in brain chemistry are especially meaningful for those dealing with trauma, burnout, or the emotional toll of high-stress careers like first response, healthcare, or military service.

At Ember’s Paws of Hope, our dogs are trained to show up in those hard moments when words fall short, when the weight is heavy, and when just being seen and comforted can make all the difference.

Sometimes healing starts with a paw on your knee, a soft nuzzle, or the quiet companionship of a dog who simply gets it.

🐾 Meet Our Pups 🐾

Halligan

Our Trailblazing Comfort K9

Orion

Big heart. Soft fur. Serious snuggles

Growing Our Pack, Expanding Our Impact

Comfort Dogs: Heartfelt Support, Backed by Science

🐾 Meet Our Pups 🐾

Halligan

Our Trailblazing Comfort K9

Orion

Big heart. Soft fur. Serious snuggles

Growing Our Pack, Expanding Our Impact

Comfort Dogs: Heartfelt Support, Backed by Science

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