Tail of the Month - Maggie May
Some moments happen so gradually that you do not realize how important they are until you look back later.
For Peoria Humane Society volunteer Kim Lister and her therapy dog Maggie May, one of those moments happened inside a classroom.
When Maggie first began visiting a local first grade classroom, there was one student who was terrified of dogs. The fear was so strong that staff would arrange for her to spend time in another classroom whenever Maggie came to visit.
At first, that seemed like the best solution for everyone involved.
But over time, curiosity started to replace fear.
One day, the student decided she wanted to stay in the room. She sat far away from Maggie and watched quietly while her classmates gathered around to pet her and talk to her. She kept her distance, but something had changed. Instead of fear, there was interest. There was even a smile.
The next visit, she moved a little closer.
Then a little closer again.
Eventually, she stood right beside Maggie and askied if she could pet her.
Kim said yes.
The student reached out carefully, touched Maggie's fur, then pulled her hand back with a giggle.
"She's so soft and gentle," she said.
Now, she runs over excitedly when Maggie arrives. She pets her, hugs her, and loves seeing what outfit Maggie might be wearing that day. The fear that once kept her out of the classroom has been replaced with trust, comfort, and joy.
What makes the story even more meaningful is the way Maggie handled every interaction along the way.
She never rushed toward the student. She never forced attention or demanded affection. She simply existed beside her with patience and calmness until the girl felt ready on her own.
That quiet kind of understanding is what makes therapy dogs so special.
Through the Peoria Humane Society's Paws 4 Therapy program, dogs like Maggie visit schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and residential programs throughout the Peoria area. The goal is simple. Create moments of connection for people who need comfort, encouragement, or simply a reason to smile that day.
Sometimes those moments look big from the outside. A child overcoming fear. A patient lighting up during a visit. A resident remembering a beloved pet from years ago.
Other times, the impact is quieter.
A lowered heart rate. A calmer room. A conversation that would not have happened otherwise.
Research continues to show the positive effects of animal-assisted therapy on emotional and physical well-being. Even something as simple as petting a dog can help reduce stress and create a sense of calm. But beyond the research and statistics, programs like Paws 4 Therapy work because of moments like the one Maggie created in that classroom.
Every therapy team in the program is evaluated and registered before visiting facilities in the community. Volunteers dedicate their time, their energy, and countless hours with their dogs to make these visits possible. Behind every visit are training costs, program coordination, evaluations, supplies, and ongoing support that allows the program to continue growing throughout the Peoria area and support the community.
The Peoria Humane Society remains committed to sharing the comfort of the human-animal bond with people who need it most. Community support is what keeps that work going.
If you would like to help sustain the Paws 4 Therapy program and support future visits throughout our community, please consider making a donation. And if you would like to learn more about the Paws 4 Therapy program and the teams bringing comfort across Peoria, we invite you to read more about the program below.
sUPPORT THE PET THERAPY PROGRAM
lEARN MORE ABOUT PET THERAPY
