Eggy, Wonder & Eli’s Corner

Marley and the Pack, Paws, Purpose, and a Whole Lot of Love

A Therapy Dog’s Story

By Isla Del Castillo / Photos by Derick Lara

I’m Marley, five years old, soon to be six in August, and the proud leader of my pack. Around here, that’s a pretty important job. My pack includes Midnight, Mila, Echo, Lyric, Genesis, and my grandson, Waffle. Yes, you heard that right-my grandson!

Lyric, Mila, and Marley. 

Life with seven dogs can get a little noisy, but it’s also full of wagging tails, big hearts, and lots of love to give. A few years ago, our family went through a really hard time. Mom and Dad were sad a lot. They lost two of their grandchildren to cancer, and three of their parents to all within just two years. There were many days when they were gone for long hours at hospitals or driving down long highways to be with family. The house felt quiet without them.

Handler and trainer Samuel Juarez with Marley at Valley Regional Medical Center.

But whenever they came home, we were ready. The whole pack would run to the door with wagging tails, bright eyes, and the biggest doggy smiles you could imagine. We greeted them like they were the most important people in the world, because to us, they are. Even when they were tired or sad, we could see something change when they saw us. Their shoulders relaxed, their faces softened, and sometimes they even laughed. We realized something very important: love can help heal hurting hearts.

After those difficult days slowed down, something new started happening. Trainers began coming to the house. At first, we weren’t sure what to think about that, but we quickly discovered something amazing. Training came with snacks.

Lots of snacks. Midnight and I worked hard and passed our first test easily. The girls needed a little more work; don’t tell them I said that. So they went off to “boot camp.” Before long, everyone was doing great. Then came the best part. We started wearing these really cool vests and going places where people needed smiles. We visited centers where cancer patients were being treated. We visited kids at church.

Everywhere we went, people reached out to shake our paws, hug us, or simply sit beside us for a moment.

Sometimes they smile. Sometimes they laugh. Sometimes they cry a little while petting us. And every time, we know we were doing something important. Mom and Dad later said we needed special certifications. I remember thinking, “Not another test!” But with some extra practice and help from our trainer and longtime friend Sam, we all passed. Every single one of us.

Christmas staff photo featuring the therapy dog team members. (L-R) Jorge A, Samuel J, Faith P, Isla D, Pastor Anne M, Pastor Bill M, and Sergio Sosa.

Now we visit hospitals, schools, and church regularly. Each member of my pack has special talents. Midnight retrieves like an athlete. Mila gives the best tummy rub opportunities. Echo catches treats like a champion. Lyric sits sweetly and melts hearts. Genesis and Waffle are learning fast with tricks like fetch, paw, and center. As for me, Marley, the leader, I shake paws, give high fives, roll over, and catch treats mid-air. But the most important thing we all know how to do is something simple. We show up. We wag our tails. We share love. When I was just a little pup, I never imagined my life would look like this.

A big pack, wonderful parents, and a mission to bring comfort to people who are hurting.

Turns out a wagging tail, a gentle paw, and a little love can go a long way. And that’s the best trick of all.