Adorable Goldendoodle Honey with fluffy apricot curls and warm, gentle eyes
2 photos of Honey
Honey
Handler: William Santos
A lovable Goldendoodle with curly apricot fur. Honey's warmth and patience make every child feel like a star.
Honey's Story
Honey's name suits her perfectly—she's sweet, golden, and makes everything better. This apricot Goldendoodle came to handler William Santos after a career as a facility dog at a children's hospital. When the hospital program was restructured, Honey needed a new purpose. William, a school librarian about to retire, adopted her immediately. Honey already understood reading environments intimately, having spent years in hospital playrooms where children read to pass time during treatments. Her transition to Paws & Pages was seamless. At 5 years old, Honey combines medical-facility calm with natural Goldendoodle friendliness. Her hypoallergenic coat also makes her popular with allergic readers who might otherwise miss out on the therapy dog experience.
A Heart-Warming Moment
Seven-year-old Sophie had spent months in and out of hospitals for a chronic condition. She'd fallen far behind in reading while focused on health battles, and she felt ashamed. Her first Paws & Pages session, Sophie recognized Honey immediately: 'That's a hospital dog!' she exclaimed. The familiarity was comforting. Sophie told Honey about her health struggles while petting her curly fur. Then something shifted: 'You know what? I read books in the hospital too. Want to hear one?' Sophie read to Honey about a brave princess who overcame challenges. 'That's like me,' Sophie said quietly. 'And that's like Honey too—she helps people feel brave.' By session's end, Sophie had read three picture books. Her mother cried watching through the window. Sophie finally felt like a 'normal kid' doing 'normal kid things.'
Ready to meet Honey?
Honey and William Santos are available for reading sessions at participating libraries. Sign up today to experience the magic of reading with a furry friend!
Questions About Our Program?
We'd love to tell you more about how our therapy dogs help children become confident readers.