We at Valley Humane Society want to give a huge congratulations to Dayo, who has made it to the Top Five as a finalist to be named Hero Dog of the Year 2024 with American Humane after winning his spot at the top of the Therapy category! Dayo has been a Canine Comfort pet-assisted therapy dog with Valley Humane Society since May 2018. In that time, he has spread so much joy to folks all over the Tri-State area and beyond! 
Here’s a snapshot of the ways Dayo has touched the community:
- Empowering kids to hone their reading skills at Pleasanton Library with the Paws to Read program.
- Visiting the patients, nurses, staff and families at George Mark Children’s House in San Leandro, CA.
- Providing comfort to children that have lost a loved one at Camp Erin in Livermore, CA.
- Giving companionship to adults with disabilities at Futures Explored and Go Group in Livermore, CA.
- Reducing the stress of final exams by spreading smiles to students at local high schools.
- Bringing joy to patients on the PICU and oncology floors at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.
- Visiting with radiation, oncology, urgent care, mental health, orthopedics and surgery patients at Kaiser Permanente.
Dayo is one busy dog! We are so proud of all the work he does and wish him the best of luck this winter!
Read more about his run for Hero Dog of the Year from USA Today.