Dominic the Therapy Pitbull: A Story of Love, Connection, and Shaping New Narratives

At CE4Less, we believe in the power of love, community, and connection. During our Paws and Relax campaign, we invited our community to share photos of their pets to spread joy and love – especially in times when mental health support and emotional well-being are more crucial than ever. Among the hundreds of submissions, we discovered Dominic, and we were profoundly inspired by his journey.

That story belonged to Dominic the Pitbull, a therapy dog whose journey of becoming inspired his guardian to share their process in the pet-assisted volunteer community and the healing they brought into people’s lives. As we learned about Dominic’s story from Dr. Danna Abraham, LMFT, PHD, we were moved by the powerful impact he had on her life and the lives of those they served together.

A Bond Beyond Words: The Beginning of Dominic’s Journey

Dominic came into Danna’s life when he was five years old, patiently waiting for his forever home at the San Diego Humane Society. From the moment they met, an indescribable bond was formed, and Danna knew they were meant to do something very special together.

At that time, Danna was working as a mental health clinician in an outpatient psychiatry setting, helping children and families navigate the challenges that come with living life. A simple photo of Dominic on her desk sparked curiosity and conversations among her clients. They asked questions like, “How old is Dominic?” “What does he like to do?” and “Where do you take him for walks?”

Their interest inspired Danna to enroll Dominic in obedience classes, and together, they worked towards earning his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. Dominic passed with flying colors, and Danna was thrilled at the thought of integrating him as a therapy dog at her workplace. However, she was soon met with an unexpected resistance: a breed-specific ban that excluded him from volunteering due to his appearance as a pitbull. It was heartbreaking.

---

“Dominic shattered stereotypes, proving that love sees beyond labels and that a pitbull can be just as gentle, loving, and impactful as any other therapy dog.”

---

Finding Hope with Love on a Leash

Refusing to let this setback define their journey, Danna searched for other ways to fulfill their purpose. That’s when she discovered Love on a Leash, an organization dedicated to providing volunteer pet therapy. Nervous yet hopeful, she called and spoke with the director of the program, who warmly reassured her, “Absolutely, we would love to have Dominic on our team. All dogs who are CGC-certified have the ability to become volunteers.”

That conversation changed everything. With renewed hope, Danna and Dominic began their journey with Love on a Leash, ready to bring smiles and comfort to those in need. But even with his certification and loving demeanor, Dominic faced challenges. His appearance and breed often invited unfair judgments. Some people hesitated to visit with him, while others made hurtful comments, assuming he was aggressive simply because of the way he looked.

Changing Narratives: Glasses to Help People see More Clearly

Determined to overcome these challenges, Danna got creative. She decided to give Dominic a pair of glasses, hoping people would see him clearly. The transformation was remarkable. People who once hesitated were now drawn to him, their preconceived notions melting away as they witnessed his calm and loving presence.

For ten years, Dominic and Danna volunteered together, offering comfort and companionship to those who needed it most. They learned to embrace what they couldn’t change while staying true to their mission of spreading love and kindness. Dominic helped pave the way for other pit bulls who started volunteering with the organization, proving that love sees beyond labels and that a pitbull can be just as gentle, loving, and impactful as any other therapy dog.

The Legacy Continues: How Dominic’s Story Connected with Paws and Relax

When we launched the Paws and Relax campaign at CE4Less, Dominic’s story of breaking stereotypes and bringing comfort to those in need beautifully paralleled our campaign’s mission. We were moved by how his legacy of love and resilience aligned with the happiness and connection Paws and Relax was meant to inspire. Through Dominic, we saw firsthand the incredible impact pets can have on mental health and emotional support.

Therapy Tales from Dominic the Pit: Paws of Wisdom

Inspired by their journey, Danna wrote a children’s book, “Therapy Tales from Dominic the Pit,” narrated through Dominic’s voice. The story follows his path to becoming a therapy dog, the challenges he faced, and the stereotypes he overcame. It serves as a powerful reminder that adversity can be a teacher and that love knows no breed.

In 2024, at 16 years old, Dominic passed away as a beloved senior dog. He had love, joy, companionship, safety, and a beautiful life. Danna shared, “I was the lucky one to have him for 11 unforgettable years. Dominic wasn’t just a dog; he is my greatest love story. Through him, I grew into the person I was meant to be.”

Celebrating Therapy Dogs and Mental Health Heroes

As we honor Dominic’s memory, we also celebrate all therapy dogs who change lives one wag at a time. They break down emotional barriers, offer comfort, and inspire love and connection. Dominic’s story reminded us that love has no labels, and kindness sees beyond stereotypes.

We invite you to celebrate his legacy by sharing your own pet stories and experiences. Together, we can continue spreading love, breaking down barriers, and championing emotional well-being.

Share Your Story

How has your pet impacted your life or the lives of others? Share your experiences on our social media pages (links in the bottom menu.). Let’s continue to celebrate the love, joy, and healing these incredible animals bring into our lives.

Back to Blog Home

Latest Articles

• Let Freedom Ring: Empowering Clients to Liberate Themselves from Maladaptive Patterns
• How Much Does Continuing Education Cost for Mental Health Professionals?
• Supporting LGBTQ+ Clients in Today’s Political Climate: Creating Affirming Spaces
• You Light the Way: A Tribute to the Guiding Stars of Mental Health
• Essential Documents Every Therapist Needs for Private Practice

Featured Course

Sleep Health and Sleep Disorders Across the Lifespan E293

Free Course

Ethics And Boundary Issues E097J