Doug & Thumper
Bringing Sunshine to the Frontlines
“I really needed this today,” is something Doug and Thumper hear often as they work.
Thumper, an outgoing golden retriever and FSD Professional Therapy Dog, starts each morning making his rounds with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director Doug to bring comfort and joy to first responders, doctors, nurses, and specialists in a Colorado hospital.
“When we enter the room, there’s a shift in the entire mood,” Doug shares. “Everyone gets excited to say hello to Thumper, and he’ll just sit in their laps and soak up the attention. He’s a dose of sunshine.”
With Thumper’s wagging tail and Doug’s bright smile, it’s clear this pair loves their job.
As calls roll in and medical teams disperse throughout the hospital, Doug and Thumper make their way to their office, strategically located across the hall from the first responder lounge. The door stays open all day, welcoming any EMS professional who needs to decompress, chat, or get in a few snuggles with their best friend Thumper.
While many therapy dogs visit hospital patients, Thumper’s mission is to be there for staff to comfort them in times of stress by providing affection, performing deep pressure therapy, building engagement with Doug, and helping individuals process traumatic events. Doug provides peer support and connects employees with other resources, helping them navigate the emotional toll of their jobs. Together, Doug and Thumper are a crucial support system as first responders and medical professionals face a growing mental health crisis. “We have a steady flow of visitors throughout the day. Thumper really brightens people up. He’s a very valuable asset and makes an impact everywhere we go,” Doug explains.
Doug worked as a paramedic for 24 years before making a career change. The lack of mental health support he experienced led him to dedicate himself to helping others in the field. Now, as an EMS Director with Thumper as his partner, he is giving back in a big way. “When I was a paramedic, there wasn’t someone there to help me if I needed it. I dealt with my trauma alone with the mentality that no one else could take care of the patients if I stepped out. It affected my well-being and mental health,” Doug shares.
EMS professionals face higher rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation, but these challenges have long been underacknowledged. Fortunately, things are beginning to change. “There is new awareness about first responders’ mental health needs,” Doug says. “Working with FSD and Thumper brings extra acknowledgement that it’s ok for folks to express their feelings and deal with them in positive ways.”
Soon after Doug was partnered with Thumper, a crew experienced a particularly traumatic situation. “It was a hard day. Emotions were high,” Doug remembers. In need of support and reprieve, the entire team flooded into Doug and Thumper’s office. They talked, processed their emotions, and took turns cuddling Thumper. “They just let out all their negative energy. It helped take their minds off the traumatic situation and brought them a few minutes of joy. We really helped them that day, and that’s game changing.”
While Thumper’s primary role is to help hospital employees, he also helps Doug. Doug’s job isn’t easy, and it can take a toll on his mental health, too, but Thumper is always there to offer his support. At work, he helps Doug take his mind off things, engage with others, and stay active during their long shifts. At home, Thumper brings Doug joy with their nightly cuddle sessions, trips to pet-friendly stores, and playful antics with his other family dog.
Doug says, “Thumper is making a difference. We will continue to spread joy and help our EMS professionals. We are so grateful to FSD for creating this partnership and for recognizing the importance of helping first responders. Thank you!”
FSD Professional Therapy Dogs like Thumper and healthcare professionals like Doug touch the lives of hundreds. At Freedom Service Dogs, we are dedicated to creating more of these meaningful partnerships, all at no cost to the professionals we serve. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generous support of our community to care for and train these special dogs, as well as cover the costs of their placement and lifetime support.
Dedicated to expanding their impact, Doug hopes to start making more visits with Thumper to fire stations, as well as staff meetings and events. He also wants to educate other mental health and crisis support professionals about the value of incorporating FSD Professional Therapy Dogs in their work.
When you give a gift of any amount to FSD today, you will play an integral role in helping us get more leashes in the hands of everyday game changers like Doug still waiting to be placed with their Thumper. Give today and start changing lives!
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Would you or someone you know benefit from the partnership of a Freedom Service Dog? If so, please contact FSD at [email protected] or call 303-922-6231 for more information.
Published 4/29/2025
Contact Erin Conley at econley@