Story by HSSA Staff
Daisy, a spirited beagle with a heart of gold, embodies the transformative power of love and dedicated training. Rescued from an uncertain situation at just nine months old in 2014, Daisy’s journey became a testament to hope and healing. Her remarkable transformation from a frightened pup to a cherished therapy dog with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) highlights the profound impact of our programs and the unwavering commitment of our team.
The path from scared rescue dog to confident therapy companion wasn’t easy. In 2016, with the support of her handler, Elaina, Daisy graduated from HSSA’s Pet VIP Therapy Animal Program. This demanding journey required countless hours of patience, trust-building exercises, and specialized training. The bond forged between Daisy and Elaina proved to be the cornerstone of her success, showcasing the critical role human-animal connections play in animal rehabilitation.
For over eight years, Daisy’s boundless energy and gentle presence brought joy and comfort to countless lives. Her legacy of love extended to:
St. Cyril’s School: From February 2016 to May 2024, Daisy spent 770 hours with students, patiently listening as they read 1,700 books. Her calming presence fostered a love for reading and created a positive learning environment. Beyond being a therapy dog, Daisy became a cherished friend who offered unconditional love and a furry ear for their stories.
Tucson Medical Center: Daisy dedicated over 100 hours to brighten the days of sick children. Her visits provided companionship and a much-needed smile during challenging times. For children and their families, Daisy became a beacon of hope, demonstrating the powerful impact therapy dogs can have on recovery and overall well-being.
In 2022, Daisy’s resilience was tested when she faced two life-threatening neck surgeries. During one surgery, she lost 50% of her blood in minutes. A life-saving blood transfusion from another canine warrior brought her back from the brink. This experience turned Daisy into a passionate advocate for canine blood donation programs. Her story, featured in various media outlets, helped raise awareness about the crucial role of canine blood donors in saving lives.
Now enjoying retirement, Daisy continues to embrace life with gusto alongside her devoted owner, Elaina. Her playful spirit remains undimmed as she enjoys the company of children, chases lizards, adorns herself with playful glasses, poses for pictures, indulges in melons, and tackles puzzles. Her zest for life remains a testament to the joy and resilience she brought to others throughout her career.
Celebrating Daisy’s Legacy: Supporting Programs that Change Lives
Daisy’s heartwarming story is one of hope, resilience, and the profound bond between humans and animals. As she retires from her therapy dog duties, we invite you to celebrate her legacy by supporting the vital programs that made her remarkable journey possible. Through rescue, rehabilitation, and expert training, HSSA transforms animals into companions capable of changing lives – just like Daisy.
Donate: Your contributions ensure the continuation of essential services like the dog training program that prepared Daisy for her therapy role. Donations help HSSA offer life-changing support to animals in need and the people who benefit from their companionship. To donate, visit hssaz.org/donate
Volunteer: Join the dedicated team at HSSA and make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their loving human companions. Visit hssaz.org/volunteer to learn more. If your dog enjoys human interaction and has a calm demeanor, email vzimmerman@hssaz.org to learn about our Pet VIP Therapy Program.
Spread the Word: Share Daisy’s story and inspire others to support HSSA’s mission. Raising awareness about the incredible work HSSA does allows them to reach more animals in need and provide the care and training they deserve.
Daisy’s story, from a rescued pup to a celebrated therapy dog, is a powerful reminder of what’s achievable when we support animals in need. As HSSA celebrates eight decades of making a difference, we look forward to creating more heartwarming stories like Daisy’s, spreading love and healing through our dedicated programs. Thank you for being a part of Daisy’s journey.
