

The experience of battling cancer is filled with challenges—both physical and emotional. For those receiving care at The Dempsey Center founded by actor Patrick Dempsey in 2008, this journey is met with compassion, comfort, and connection. The center provides personalized, comprehensive cancer care at no cost, thanks to donations and dedicated supporters. One of the most beloved aspects of the care provided at The Dempsey Center is the Dempsey Dogs program, which features therapy animals registered through Pet Partners. These animals play a pivotal role in lifting the spirits of patients, their families, and caregivers.
Pet Partners’ therapy animal teams are integral to the work at The Dempsey Center. These teams provide companionship and emotional support for individuals undergoing treatment at The Dempsey Center. When patients or family members arrive for a class, workshop, or one-on-one session, a therapy dog greets them. This brief interaction offers a moment of relief from the stress and anxiety that comes with cancer care.
Jamie Sprague, a handler with her therapy dog Louise Cheese, has been visiting The Dempsey Center since October 2022. Her experiences have been nothing short of special. Jamie shared, “The smiles that Louise Cheese brings to the patients and care partners at the Dempsey Center just warm my heart.” Louise has even developed a strong bond with a particular yoga class participant. Even amid the large crowd at the Dempsey Challenge, the connection between them was clear as Louise eagerly wagged her tail upon recognizing her friend.
For some patients, the therapy dogs offer something irreplaceable—a sense of comfort when they cannot have pets of their own. “Multiple clients have shared that because of their treatments, they can’t care for a pet at this time. Visiting with Louise Cheese gives them the comfort they miss from not being able to have their own dog at home,” Jamie explained.
This year’s Dempsey Challenge marked its 16th anniversary. The event celebrated the incredible efforts of those rallying to support individuals impacted by cancer and raised over $1 million. This ensures that The Dempsey Center can continue offering its services at no cost to patients and their families. For the therapy animal teams involved, the Dempsey Challenge was a chance to spread joy, support the cause, and meet participants who found solace in their presence.
Handlers like Jamie and her therapy dog Louise Cheese participated in the event by connecting with cancer survivors and their families. Jamie recalls the significance of the survivors’ walk, where the crowd quieted in reverence. “My heart swells for the survivors and their families who still have these special individuals in their lives,” she shared.
Another dedicated therapy team, Renee Brezovsky and her dog Meadow, also contributed to the event. Renee reflected on her experience: “The joy was evident and multiplied 250 times as people made their way to see the Dempsey Dogs. It seemed everyone already knew who we were and called the dogs by name before we could even say who they were.” The impact of the therapy animals resonated deeply with participants, especially with young children who spent time hugging and petting the dogs. These moments created memories that offered emotional relief during such a challenging time.
Pet Partners’ involvement in supporting those impacted by cancer extends beyond therapy visits. They have established the Cancer Care Fund which provides financial assistance to therapy animals diagnosed with cancer. Since 2016, the fund has helped more than 130 therapy animals, ensuring they receive the medical care they need while continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.
Thanks to generous donations, the Cancer Care Fund covers a range of expenses including diagnostic procedures, chemotherapy, alternative treatments like acupuncture, and end-of-life care. This fund is a way for Pet Partners to give back to the therapy animals that have given so much to others. By supporting this initiative, donors help sustain the ability of therapy animals to continue their life-enhancing work.
As therapy animal teams like Jamie and Louise Cheese or Renee and Meadow bring comfort to those affected by cancer, the Cancer Care Fund ensures that these incredible animals can receive the care they need if they, too, face a cancer diagnosis. You can support the Cancer Care Fund by donating. Every contribution helps these animals continue their journey of bringing hope and comfort to those who need it most.
The presence of Pet Partners therapy animals at The Dempsey Center and events like the Dempsey Challenge demonstrates the profound impact these animals have on cancer patients and their families. Whether through a wagging tail or a gentle nuzzle, these therapy animals offer emotional relief, creating moments of peace and connection.
Jamie Sprague reflects on how participating in events like the Dempsey Challenge has deepened her understanding of the power of therapy animals. “The Dempsey Dogs show unconditional love to the clients. It gives them time to just pet the dogs, and if they want to share their stories, they may. Volunteering has been so rewarding. I see the joy Louise Cheese brings to people who may be going through the toughest time in their lives.”
For those interested joining the Dempsey Dogs, or supporting the Dempsey Center, the opportunity to make a difference is ever-present. Together, we can ensure that the healing power of therapy animals continues to touch the lives of those who need it most.