For years, Mary Glavin, DM, has been training therapy dogs to provide affection, comfort, and support to people, often in settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. She has deployed them continuously at local hospitals and nursing homes, including Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville.

The response to these dogs is incredible. Children light up like it’s Christmas; and, at the nursing homes, long dormant energy and excitement return in joyful youthful smiles. It is a wonder to behold.  

Mary is steadfast in her devotion to this ministry, directed towards the weakest and sickest among us. Before the pandemic, fellow Knights and Dames would often accompany Mary to the nursing home for visits and the whole place would light up, including our very own members. This work is as unique as it is praiseworthy.