Bedford the Labradoodle

 

Help crown me the 2025 Pet Partners Pet of the Year!

It’s Bedford's Big Moment. Help Spread the Word!

I’m delighted to announce Bedford’s nomination for 2025 Pet Partners Pet of the Year! This honor celebrates his special gift for bringing comfort and joy through our therapy animal visits.

Bedford’s Gift: The Power of the Human-Animal Bond

Bedford embodies Pet Partners’ mission to enhance well-being through the human-animal bond. He has a remarkable ability to sense what people need most. At local elementary schools, he patiently listens as children read aloud or provides a quiet presence on difficult days. In the hospital, he offers exhausted medical staff a moment of respite and brings warmth to patients craving a break from the routine. At a retirement home, he eases loneliness with his gentle companionship. At the women’s shelter, his calming presence offers peace and connection to those navigating challenging transitions. What makes Bedford truly special is his instinct to linger with those who need him most, delivering empathy through his steady, reassuring presence. Through the 2025 Pet of the Year competition, we celebrate the difference therapy animals like Bedford make every day.

Inspired to Get Involved?
We hope to inspire more therapy animal handlers—the need keeps growing. Could your pet be a candidate?

Qualities of an Ideal Therapy Pet:
• Loves meeting strangers
• Stays calm in new settings
• Follows your lead
• Shows no aggression
• At least one year old (six months for small animals)
• With you for six months
• Healthy and vaccinated
See petpartners.org/volunteer/requirements/

Support Our Mission
While contributions to Bedford’s campaign are appreciated, we’re focused on raising awareness and growing our therapy team community. Know a calm, friendly pet perfect for this? Share Bedford’s story (peek at @BedfordtheLabradoodle on Instagram if you’d like!). Spreading the word matters—tell a friend about Pet Partners and help us multiply the comfort therapy animals bring. #pppetoftheyear

Bedford the Labradoodle