For over a decade, David and Lynn Ashley have been bringing smiles to patients at local healthcare facilities with the help of their furry friends through Therapy Pet Pals of Texas

Therapy Pet Pals of Texas (TPPT) was created in 1984 by founder Kathryn Lashmit who had a passion for both animals and helping others. TPPT’s mission is to spread love to those “most often forgotten” who are institutionalized in healthcare facilities through their team of therapy dogs. TPPT now has nearly 200 trained volunteers and even more animals. TPPT is currently serving approximately 90 different healthcare facilities/institutions, which include: nursing homes, medical hospitals, rehabilitation centers, MHMR State facilities and many other medical environments with no fee or service cost required. Two of these volunteers are beloved husband and wife David and Lynn Ashley.

The Ashley’s describe their volunteer work with Therapy Pet Pals as “their life.” They love bringing their shelties to visit with patients, residents and staff. Their smiling faces and their dogs wagging tails bring joy to all they interact with. In addition to their regular visits, they help out at orientation classes, train new volunteers and attend special events. Says Executive Director of TPPT Nancy Grey, “I can always rely on them to volunteer wherever they are needed.  It is a real joy to have them be part of the TPPT team!”

The Ashley’s have undoubtedly touched thousands of lives throughout their work with TPPT, with a large part of their volunteer time dedicated to the St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center. In just the first quarter of 2024, two of their dogs, Mycroft and Mychelle saw over 2,300 patients at this facility. The Ashley’s enjoy seeing patient’s faces light up when their dog comes into the room, “We see smiles all the time” says Lynn.