Bringing hope & healing to heroes in Western North Carolina

First of its kind in the country,  this unique program started with a goal of reducing high school dropout statistics for at risk teens and ended up boasting a 100% graduation rate! Graduates of the Hudson Ambassador program are paying forward that gift by joining our Newfoundland dog pet therapy team.

Patti is a national pet therapy expert with 25 years of pet therapy/dog training experience and 40 years as a teacher and public education administrator. Patty is a former President of the Southeastern Newfoundland Club. Her team of 8 Therapy dogs are making a difference every day!

Our Co-Founder Kajal Schiller identified the Newfoundland dog as the breed she wanted to train in therapy and water rescue work,  to help her mother overcome a life threatening brain tumor. Since that time, she's volunteered hundred's of hours helping ensure the foundations success.

Benita is a US Olympian and a national leader in Newfoundland obedience, water rescue and draft training.  She  serves on the Newfoundland Club of America’s Working Dog Committee and is a National Judge. 

Lisa is an award-winning Sundance  filmmaker with over 20 years of operational leadership, marketing and non-profit management experience.  Her work with her therapy dog partner Chewie, helped inspire the mission of the organization.

The organization is dedicated to Jonathan Edds, who lost his life in Iraq and all those who have served or have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.