Dog Appreciation Day was founded in 2004 to honor the incredible bond between humans and dogs, and to recognize the many roles dogs play—from service animals to loyal companions.

At Richmond, we know how special a visit from a dog can be. Whether it’s a therapy dog or a staff member’s friendly pup, dogs bring comfort, smiles, and a calming presence to our residents. For individuals with developmental disabilities, those visits can reduce anxiety, spark conversation, and create real moments of connection. It’s amazing how much joy a wagging tail can bring.