Maybe that's because Hoop himself has lived with pain, understands imperfection, knows about courage. As a puppy, Hoop had to have shoulder surgery. And his elbows are malformed, filled with bone shards and signs of degeneration. But other than that, he gets along fine. So fine, in fact, that Hoop was able to pass the rigorous training and testing required to certify as a therapy dog when he was only a year old.
Most therapy dogs are much older.
Through this annual Pet Hero Awards program, the association recognizes one animal each year that has made an outstanding contribution, says Evan Gubler, a member of the association's board. Or it might be an animal such as Hoop, who has touched countless lives in meaningful ways. His work involves more than being there and letting people pet him, as important as that is. They give unconditional love, and often patients will open up and respond to the animals in ways they never will with humans. He also goes to schools and works with other groups.