At Presbyterian Home in Williamsport, not all staff walk on two legs. “Our mission at Presbyterian Senior Living is guided by the Life and teachings of Jesus,” said Renee Moore, Personal Care Administrator. “It is to provide compassionate, vibrant, and supportive communities and services to promote the wholeness of body, mind, and spirit.” One of the many ways the senior living community achieves this wholeness is through pet therapy.
Presbyterian Home has been providing pet therapy for the past 15 years with two communal cats, Garfield and Felix, and, more recently, Aspen, the therapy dog. Residents and staff alike know the feeling that spreads through the building when Aspen, an eleven-year-old Great Pyrenees, comes through the door with her handler, Tammie Cristini. Conversations start more easily, and people who may have been quiet just moments before begin to converse and engage. In a community devoted to supporting the wholeness of body, mind, and spirit, Aspen has become a gentle and reassuring presence.
In a first for the facility, Aspen was also voted volunteer of the year. This momentous occasion will be celebrated privately on July 13th by residents, their families, handler Tammie, and a few close friends of Aspen. Also attending the celebration will be Aspen’s dogs, Darby (Aspen’s sister) and Poppy (friend).
The impact of Aspen and pet therapy is easy to see. Pet therapy has long played an important role in senior living, where companionship, routine, and meaningful engagement can make an enormous difference in daily life. Research and professional organizations consistently point to the value of animal-assisted visits for older adults, noting benefits such as reduced stress, increased social interaction, and improved emotional well-being. For residents in personal care settings, a therapy dog can do something extraordinary simply by showing up and offering affection. Aspen does exactly that.
Aspen was adopted by Tammie in 2017 from the local SPCA, and over the years, the two have developed a special partnership that makes therapy work possible. Aspen is certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, an international registry that provides testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for teams who volunteer in animal-assisted activities. The organization’s mission is simple and powerful. Spreading smiles and joy, one therapy dog at a time.
Aspen and Tammie first came to Presbyterian Home in Williamsport in September 2025. In less than a year, they have become a big part of community life. Tammie describes Aspen as having a gentle soul, and even in public settings, people are naturally drawn to her. At first glance, Aspen’s size can be intimidating. Great Pyrenees are large dogs, but any hesitation disappears quickly once residents experience their calm demeanor. Rather than overwhelming a room, Aspen settles it.
That is part of what makes Aspen such an effective therapy dog. Residents smile as soon as they see her and gather for programming when they know she is coming. They ask Tammie about Aspen’s adventures, her routines, and her everyday habits. Just as important, they begin talking about their own lives. A visit from Aspen often sparks stories about beloved pets from years ago. Those memories are not small things. They are reminders of identity, family, care, and love.
For residents adjusting to life in a senior living community, those moments of remembrance and conversation matter. A therapy dog can help ease anxiety and reduce the isolation that sometimes accompanies major life changes. Aspen offers companionship and a sense of comfort. Some residents talk to her. Some pet her quietly. Some simply enjoy sitting nearby and watching her rest at their feet.
Aspen’s visits are also meaningful because Tammie’s care and guidance shape them. Therapy work is not simply about bringing a dog into a room. It requires attentiveness, empathy, and respect for the needs of the people being served. Tammie brings all of that to each visit. She pays attention to residents’ comfort levels and encourages interaction in ways that feel natural. She often arrives with something extra, such as a photo album filled with Aspen’s adventures, or a special keepsake made from Aspen’s fur. At Christmastime, she even brought props so residents could enjoy a festive photo shoot with Aspen.
Staff members feel Aspen’s impact too. In a care community, where the work is deeply meaningful but often demanding, a therapy dog’s visit can bring a welcome lift to the day. Aspen is adored not only by residents but also by the team members who care for them. Her presence creates a shared moment of connection across the building. In that sense, Aspen supports the whole community. She helps turn an ordinary day into one of warmth and joy.
In the end, Aspen’s work is about being a calm presence for residents and staff who look forward to her visits. Aspen is a source of comfort and connection, and a reminder that compassion often arrives in the gentlest form. That is why Aspen stands out and was voted volunteer of the year.
