“Maple is loved by so many clients here at San Diego Kids First. Maple is amazing with the kids; cuddling, playing games and participating in sessions. She provides a calming support, often sensing and responding to a child’s innermost feelings before a clinician. She patiently participates in games like headbands (pictured here!) wearing the headband and making the children smile. She will also curl up on the couch or beanbag with the blanket and support a child processing big emotions. She is able to break down barriers with the children who are reserved and ground children who are easily elevated or easily triggered. One day in the office, I had a client; although this doesn’t happen often, hesitant to come in. When I shared we had a friend joining us-Maple-the little girl immediately changed her tune, her face lit up and she burst though the door. The children ask where she is and request her to join, she quickly has become the office celebrity.  Maple is also a calming influence on our full time therapists who work tirelessly providing support to children and their families . Maple makes the rounds , intuitively picking each and every office to go to and greet each clinician one by one , as if she wants to be sure no clinician is left out ♥️. We are so appreciative to our donor , to Patricia at Love Heels, and to Cynthia at Talakiridge Labradoodles for making such a profound impact on so many children , families and providers!”

Meet Maple, our San Diego Kids First Love Heels Facility Dog! We could not be more thankful for Cynthia Williams at Talaki Ridge Labradoodles for matching us with Maple, and Patricia Dibsie at Love Heels (and her generous sponsors), for providing us with training and certification to allow Maple to be a facility dog!

Maple is trained to accompany Dr. Pontillo in her professional duties which include individual in-person sessions, as well as volunteer opportunities in San Diego Schools, Head Start Programs, and in other community projects.