Tilly’s Place Mission: empower healthcare and education professionals to partner with therapy animals using evidence-based practices to promote human and animal well-being.

Tilly’s Place brings healthcare and education professionals together with therapy dogs to support children’s learning, social-emotional growth, and well-being. Programs include interactive preschool story hours, school-based animal-assisted therapy and education, and consultation services. Children learn empathy, build resilience, and develop an appreciation for diversity while engaging with therapy dogs who have disabilities. Every program is designed to respect and support the well-being, safety, and health of both dogs and people.

Meet the Therapy Dogs

Orion and Tilly got their start at Nazareth University, where they helped create the InterProfessional Animal-assisted Wellness (IPAW) Collaborative.
We were on the news!

  • Registered Therapy Dog (since 2021)

    • Breed: Labrador retriever

    • Born: March 1, 2020

    • Birth place: Guiding Eyes for the Blind Canine Development Center, Patterson, New York

    • First career: potential Guiding Eyes for the Blind guide dog (released in 2020 due to ear infections)

    • Handler: Laura Poleshuck

    • Favorite pastimes: eating, visiting with people, slow walks

  • Registered Therapy Dog (since 2023)

    • Breed: golden retriever and Labrador retriever mix

    • Born: September 1, 2022

    • Birth place: Ohio

    • Rescue organization: Blind Dog Rescue Alliance

    • First career: foster puppy, Philadelphia, PA

    • Handler: Laura Poleshuck

    • Favorite pastimes: chewing on toys, playing with Orion, and meeting people

Stay in Touch

laura@tillysplace.org

585-520-4456

50 State Street, Building H

Northfield Common

Pittsford, NY 14534