Puppies Bring Comfort to Kids Facing Tough Illnesses
Even when medical treatments feel overwhelming, a group of playful puppies can bring a burst of happiness that makes everything a little brighter — at least for a while.
Pile of Puppies is a nonprofit organization based in Portland that sends groups of fluffy puppies to visit children who are living with serious or long-term illnesses. Their mission is simple: create moments filled with joy, laughter, and soft paws.
The organization was started by Jennifer Trepanier, who knows firsthand what it’s like to grow up with health challenges. While she was pregnant, she developed an autoimmune condition. Around that time, a coworker surprised everyone at the office by bringing in a litter of Swiss Mountain Dog puppies. Being surrounded by excited puppies lifted her spirits so much that she wanted other kids to feel that same comfort.
Through donations, grants, and fundraising, the nonprofit raises around $55,000 a year to keep the program going. Volunteers prepare a small indoor play space with soft padding, help the child get comfortable inside, and then let the puppies tumble in for cuddles and playtime.
So far, Pile of Puppies has arranged around 2,000 puppy visits. One of these visits was for Julia Stults, who is now 16. During a difficult time coping with ulcerative colitis, she says the puppy day was a moment she’ll never forget — a spark of happiness when she really needed one.
“It’s those little special things that make you think, ‘Yeah, this is hard… but at least I got all the puppies,’” she shared.
Her mom, Dina, felt such gratitude for the experience that she now helps the organization plan more events for other families. She explained that seeing her daughter smiling again was a deeply meaningful relief.
“It’s all about the way these kids interact with the puppies — seeing which ones they connect with and watching them open up,” she said. “They become more talkative and you can see their spirits lift. It’s also amazing for volunteers to witness.”
Anyone who wants to help can donate $100 to sponsor a playful puppy visit for a child going through a tough time. For an extra $25, families can also receive a cuddly puppy plush to keep those warm memories close on harder days.