“When we lost Halo, our beloved first Shiba in August 2023, our hearts were heavy with grief. Seeking solace, we turned to a rescue shiba site and serendipitously encountered Haruki and his brother Akira. In Sept 2023, we adopted both Shiba Inus at 3.5 months. Amidst our mourning, they were both steadfast companions, offering a source of comfort and healing, though we were also figuring out the nature of puppies and training aspects.
Haruki’s gentle demeanor and his affinity for nature is evident as he enjoys basking in the sun together with his brother, including chasing runaway leaves and butterflies. He possesses an innate love for humanity, delighting in every belly rub and shared moments of affection.
The notion of Haruki becoming a therapy dog took root after my son shared images of therapy pets visiting his college during finals week in 2023. Inspired by watching a documentary several years ago where kids were reading to pets, plus Haruki’s calm and empathetic nature, I was driven to explore opportunities for him to positively impact others.
As an educator who deeply believes in the transformative power of literature, the prospect of Haruki participating in the Read to a Dog program ignited my enthusiasm. I was elated to have found OHS to be part of the community I live in. Combining the therapeutic benefits of companionship with the joy of reading, it seemed perfect for Haruki and our family to give back.
Haruki’s innocence and serene presence bring immeasurable joy into our lives. We are hopeful that his gentle spirit will not only continue to uplift our spirits but also spread happiness to all those he encounters.”
-Sandra
