When the Freeman family started looking for a house in Yankee Trace, Kristin told her husband, Patrick, that she wanted to ensure the property had a fence. He asked why, and she told him she wanted a dog. “We’re not getting a dog,” he responded. Kristin told him, “It will be hypoallergenic, and you’ll be fine.” 

 

Kristin and Patrick moved into the neighborhood in 2015, and in 2017, they welcomed Darwin, an apricot goldendoodle puppy that looked like a cuddly teddy bear. The couple was smitten with their new family member and first baby, and Patrick and Darwin became best buddies. 

 

Darwin has many friends. As a certified therapy dog with Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association (MVPTA), he snuggles with families at the Ronald McDonald House, brings joy into the Montgomery County Jail and offers love at juvenile court. Children read to him at the library, and the folks at police stations adore him. Darwin’s darling demeanor has even earned him roles in two commercials for Shaw Floor. Certified in 2019 by MVPTA, Darwin gave 29 hours to his community in 2023, and he is on his way to logging more this year.

 

Kristin, a mental health therapist and retired special education teacher, is an enthusiastic champion of animal therapy, and Darwin goes with her to work every day. He attends sessions with her clients who request him, eagerly greeting them, accepting pets and then lying down. Sometimes, clients lie with him. Research points to many benefits of pet therapy, as it builds upon the pre-existing human-animal bond, helping to reduce blood pressure and stress, improve overall cardiovascular health, alleviate pain and improve the overall psychological state. Kristin is thrilled to be part of such a powerful healing process, and Darwin’s actions demonstrate that he is, too. “He knows the people and places we visit and knows what’s going on,” Kristin explains. “He snuggles and gives love, does tricks, reads a room well and is gentle with everyone.”

 

Kristin and Darwin volunteer at MVPTA’s annual PetFest fundraiser to support the group that educates and equips pets like Darwin and their owners to provide animal-assisted therapy services to more than 95 facilities throughout the Greater Miami Valley. Kristin and Darwin would love for neighbors to join them at the event, featuring a 5K, food trucks and vendors, basket raffles, music, Pet Garage Sale, Mid-Riders 4-H Farm petting area and pet demonstration, on Saturday, October 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Delco Park. If you cannot attend or volunteer, please visit www.petsthatcare.com to learn more about supporting MVPTA.

 

When Darwin is not busy sharing his therapy superpowers, he likes hanging out at home with his mom and dad and two human siblings. He enjoys playing keep-away and going for walks and runs, and his dream is to one day catch a squirrel. We hate to dash his dreams, but we hope he does not catch anything except for many hugs and kisses from the people he helps.