Jacob J. Puddles is a five-year-old American Kennel Club (AKC) basset hound who also serves as a therapy dog with his owner and handler, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) Special Education Teacher Julie Jaffy.

“Puddles is five years old now, but most people think he’s much older and sadder than he is,” she said. “Part of that is just the look of a basset hound.

However, according to Jaffy, Mr. Puddles is making the rounds around the community and is well-received wherever he goes.

“Mr. Puddles visits BOCES five days a week, and once a week, we see the residents at UCAN City Mission (United Christian Action Network). We used to visit UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Jamestown), but we’ve had to take a break from that–Puddles needs breaks every now and then.

Mr. Jacob J. Puddles, a five-year-old American Kennel Club (AKC) basset hound who also serves as a therapy dog with the Therapy Dogs United National Association’s Erie, Pa. office, has been making the rounds around Chautauqua County, providing therapy dog services to local organizations, agencies, and nonprofits. Submitted photo

Jaffy and Puddles are certified by the national organization Therapy Dogs United and operate from the local office in Erie, Pa.

“We’re proud to be part of Therapy Dogs United,” said Jaffy. “My volunteer co-workers are hardworking and dedicated to making someone’s day a little brighter.”

According to Jaffy, she and Mr. Puddles have conducted more than 698 plus visits.

“I think we’ve done around 700 or more visits and counting,” she said. “However, you learn to read your dog’s body language well, and sometimes I have to step in and give Mr. P and me a break and a chance to recharge; self-care is essential when you do this type of work.”

Mr. Puddles recently attended the Real Game of Life Fair, held April 16, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the GA Family Services gymnasium to much fanfare.

From left, Julie Jaffy, Mr. Jacob J. Puddles, and Robert Jaffy pose for a picture in 2019 after the couple picked up a young puppy, Puddles, before starting their endeavor as a therapy dog family in the area. Submitted photo

“Mr. Puddles was so cute but sad,” said Paris, whose last name is being withheld to protect her status while in the foster care system. “His tail started to wag, and he got up the minute I came to see him.”

Jaffy said that Mr. Puddles and her husband make a great team, and her husband supports their mission to serve those in need.

“My husband Robert is so supportive of all the work Jacob and I do,” she said. “We’re a team of three; we are always open to conducting more visits for people or organizations who need help.

According to therapydogsunited.org, Therapy Dogs United is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating solely on funding from corporate and private donations, fundraising events and items, charitable grants, therapy dog test fees, and annual membership dues. We do not charge a fee for our services and have never received payment for the therapy dog visits our volunteer handlers make.

To arrange a visit by Mr. Jacob J. Puddles and his human partner, contact the Therapy Dogs United office in Erie at (814) 456-3647 or email pat@therapydogsunited.org. They’re always open to conducting more visits for people or organizations who need help.