A golden-colored therapy dog named Hairy is making rounds at hospitals, nursing homes, and Ronald McDonald Houses across New Jersey, offering more than just a wagging tail to those facing difficult times. The specially trained canine leaves behind custom-designed stuffed animals equipped with soft heartbeats, providing ongoing comfort to children long after his visits end.
Hairy’s Dog House, the nonprofit organization behind this initiative, was founded by Keith Shaw after more than a year of research into finding the right breed and training approach. Working with Tami from BellaDoodles, LLC, Shaw brought Hairy into the world with a specific mission: to provide emotional support and healing through canine companionship.
The organization recently achieved official partnership status with New Jersey Ronald McDonald Houses, with plans to expand into multiple states by 2026. Hairy receives specialized training from Kirsten at GAK9, recognized as one of the nation’s leading canine behavior experts. This professional preparation ensures the dog remains calm and emotionally intuitive in sensitive healthcare environments.
“We always believed one dog could make a difference, and Hairy proves it every single day,” says founder Keith Shaw. “The laughter, the smiles, the tears of relief—when Hairy enters a room, something special happens. It’s a kind of healing no medicine can offer.”
The impact of these visits extends beyond momentary interactions. Parents and healthcare workers report lasting effects from both the in-person visits and the stuffed animal companions. “My son hadn’t smiled in three days… until Hairy jumped into his lap,” shared one parent at Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey. A nurse at Children’s Hospital noted, “The stuffed Hairy is the only thing my patient won’t let go of during treatment.”
During a recent community event, Hairy helped a three-year-old girl overcome her lifelong fear of dogs. After receiving one of the heartbeat-equipped stuffed animals, the child who had never touched a dog before found the courage to sit beside Hairy and pet him. Her father, initially skeptical of the program’s impact, witnessed the transformation firsthand.
“I was intrigued by what you’re doing—I thought it was a cool concept. But now, seeing it firsthand… watching my daughter overcome her fear like that? It’s remarkable. One dog can make a difference. One Tail Wag at a Time,” the father told Shaw after the encounter.
The nonprofit’s stuffed animal donation program operates on a one-for-four model: for every plush Hairy purchased, four are donated to children facing medical challenges. Each stuffed animal contains a gentle heartbeat mechanism designed to provide ongoing comfort between therapy visits.
Healthcare facilities interested in scheduling visits or individuals looking to support the program can find more information through the organization’s website. The nonprofit continues to seek support for expanding its reach to more hospitals, veterans homes, and family support centers throughout the region.
As Hairy’s visits demonstrate, the combination of trained therapy animals and thoughtfully designed comfort objects creates a unique approach to emotional support in healthcare settings. The program addresses immediate emotional needs while providing lasting comfort through its signature heartbeat companions, fulfilling its mission of spreading Love, Joy, and Comfort One Tail Wag at a Time.
