The snow settled silent layers outside the Orland Park Public Library as the frost built, muffling the sounds of the busy world beyond. Inside, warmth radiated from steaming cups of coffee, quiet conversation, and the gentle presence of six therapy dogs padding through the room, their tails wagging as they stopped to greet attendees.
The event, called Coffee and Comfort Dogs, has become a beloved tradition at the library, located at 14921 S. Ravinia Ave. On the morning of Feb. 18, residents 18 years of age and older gathered once again to sip coffee, nibble on cookies, and spend time with facility working dogs and trained therapy dogs brought in by Healing Hearts Comfort Dogs Inc.
“This is one of the most popular programs we have; both patrons and employees always love to attend,” said Kelli Adams, the library’s adult services programming coordinator. “These dogs are very well trained to be gentle and calm. People feel that peacefulness in them and petting them brings a sense of calm. Not to mention, they are adorable.”
Adams launched the program last year in partnership with Healing Hearts, a volunteer-run nonprofit that raises and trains working dogs to provide comfort to people experiencing trauma, stress, or uncertainty in their lives. The idea, she said, was born from a simple yet powerful thought.
“I thought about how difficult winter can be on people, and I wanted to create a cozy and fun program for people to attend when it’s cold and gray,” Adams said.
Pam Drust, administrative volunteer at Healing Hearts Comfort Dogs Inc., explained the difference between a facility working dog and a trained therapy dog: A facility dog is a dog that, directed by qualified staff within a designated facility, utilizes its special skills and training in animal-assisted interventions to help providers achieve specific treatment or program goals.
Facility Dogs will eventually work in churches, assisted living/nursing facilities, hotels, educational institutions, rehabilitation centers, funeral homes, retirement homes, police and fire departments, courthouse and child advocacy centers and other public sector organizations in need of a facility dog after staying with a foster and completing training and socialization for 12 to 15 months.
“When you see them graduate and go into their careers, it is very rewarding,” Drust said. “I cannot even explain how heartwarming that moment is, knowing they are going to go on for the next 10 to 12 years helping others.”
A trained therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide comfort and affection to people in a variety of settings. Therapy dogs are not considered service dogs and do not have the same legal rights as service dogs.
Owner of a trained therapy dog and a proud member of Healing Hearts Comfort Dogs Inc., Diane Farley, said being a part of the organization is extremely fulfilling. She rescued her 10-year-old pup, Bella, from PAWS five years ago and had her registered as a therapy dog soon after.
“I just felt like she had a purpose,” Farley, of Palos Park, said.
On Feb. 18, as cozy fireplace settings were displayed in the background and the scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air at the Orland Park Public Library, patrons engaged in quiet conversations while therapy dog handlers guided their well-trained companions from one person to the next. Attendees reached out eagerly to stroke their fur, their faces lighting up in smiles.
The dogs, some golden retrievers and others varying in size and breed, responded to patrons’ affection with slow blinks, wagging tails, and the occasional nuzzle against a hand or knee.
Orland Park Public Library patron and mother of two, Kathryn Hennigan, took advantage of the morning for some quiet alone time with the pups.
“I saw the flyer in the library and wanted to come and spend some time with the dogs,” Hennigan, of Orland Park, said. “My family is also debating adopting a golden retriever, so this is a great way to see them and their dispositions first-hand.”
For all who participated, the morning felt less like an organized event and more like a gathering of friends, both human and canine, keeping each other company and sharing in a collective moment of warmth and comfort on a chilly winter day.
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