News

Therapy Newfies provide post-Helene comfort and support to hundreds

A therapy Newfie nuzzles a first responder.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 11, 2024

TimberKnolls Spirit Cove Newfoundland Animal Therapy recently completed its "Tour of Healing and Hope," bringing the therapeutic presence of their Newfoundlands, affectionately known as "Newfie Therapists," to communities across Western North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. 

These gentle giants provided comfort, support and a sense of healing to more than 250 first responders, 1,100 essential workers, 330 students, 75 teachers, and more than 1,322 other WNC residents as they visited various locations, including Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Asheville and Hendersonville.

"Our Newfie teams were honored to walk alongside these communities during such challenging times," Lisa Schiller, executive director of TimberKnolls Spirit Cove, said in a news release. "We saw firsthand how a simple hug from one of our dogs could help people begin to process and release the stress they've been carrying since the storm."

Stops on the tour included key locations where emergency workers, teachers, students and residents needed extra support in the aftermath of the storm. Notable visits included the American Red Cross Shelter at the Western North Carolina Ag Center in Fletcher, Asheville Emergency Dispatch Center, Charles D. Owen High School in Swannanoa and multiple Henderson County and Hendersonville government facilities, including City Hall, Hendersonville Fire Station and Emergency Services headquarters.

“Having the Newfies on our first day back brought such joy and comfort to our students and staff. Students, staff, parents, and community members expressed such gratitude for having these gentle giants welcome us back to school," Owen High School principal Dawn Rookey said.

TimberKnolls' history with Owen High runs deep; over 15 years ago, their Hudson Ambassador Program, led by TimberKnolls co-founder Patti Sutherland, helped at-risk students remain in school. Now, graduates of that original program have come full circle, returning as therapy dog handlers to support today’s students.

Earlier this month, six Newfie therapy teams visited Hendersonville City Hall, City Operations Center, wastewater management facilities and the Henderson County Emergency Services Management offices, celebrating the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly to restore critical infrastructure following the storm. Employees laughed, and some even shed tears upon meeting the dogs. Several noted that the Newies’ bear-like appearance felt fitting in Hendersonville, a town known for its artistic bear statues.

"For some of these employees, seeing the Newfoundlands was a moment of joy they hadn’t experienced in weeks," Schiller said.

Headquartered in Dandridge, Tennessee, TimberKnolls Spirit Cove will soon break ground on a new animal-assisted therapy ranch on 16 acres on Evans Road near Kanuga Conference Center. TimberKnolls provides animal-assisted activities and therapy free to veterans, military families, firefighters, EMS workers, public school teachers, students and individuals battling illness or trauma.

"Since our founding in 2018, TimberKnolls has brought hope and joy to over 160,000 lives nationwide," Schiller said. "We are dedicated to supporting those who serve and protect our communities and offering safe spaces for healing and resilience-building."