Review From: Jim Thebarge
Author, Stories, Past, Present, and Future Therapy Dog Volunteer

As someone who has spent many years volunteering with therapy dogs in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, memory care units, and adult day care programs, I approached Please Pet Me: I’m Bryn, A Lovable Therapy Dog with both excitement and high expectations. I have witnessed firsthand the quiet miracles that therapy dogs perform every day, and I can honestly say this beautiful book captures that spirit with remarkable authenticity.

Mary Jean DeSantis has written far more than a children’s story. She has created a heartfelt tribute to the incredible bond between therapy dogs and the people whose lives they touch. Through Bryn’s gentle eyes, young readers discover that kindness, compassion, patience, and unconditional love are gifts that can brighten even the darkest days. It is a story that children will understand, while adults will recognize the deeper truths woven into every page.

The illustrations by Melissa Kahl are absolutely beautiful. Each painting radiates warmth and tenderness, drawing readers into Bryn’s world with soft colors, expressive faces, and moments that feel wonderfully real. You can almost feel the softness of Bryn’s golden coat and the quiet comfort she brings to everyone she meets.

One of the most touching parts of the book is Mary’s dedication to Abby, her very first therapy dog. Anyone who has loved a special dog knows that their influence never truly ends. That simple dedication speaks volumes about the lasting impact these remarkable companions have on our lives and the lives of countless others.

I especially appreciated how the book introduces children to the important role therapy dogs play in our communities. Therapy dogs are often misunderstood, yet they bring comfort, encouragement, hope, and healing to people in hospitals, schools, libraries, nursing homes, senior centers, and many other places where a gentle heart is needed most. This book explains that role with warmth, simplicity, and genuine respect.

Having worked beside therapy dogs for years, I found myself smiling as I recognized so many of the quiet moments that make this work so meaningful. A therapy dog doesn’t need words to comfort someone. A gentle nudge, a patient gaze, or simply resting beside a person can open doors that medicine alone sometimes cannot. Mary beautifully captures those moments through Bryn’s story.

Knowing that the proceeds from this special book support Donate Life and Amanda’s House makes it even more meaningful. It reflects the same spirit of generosity and compassion that shines throughout every page.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, therapy dog handler, healthcare professional, or simply someone who believes in the healing power of dogs, this book deserves a place on your bookshelf. It is more than a story. It is a celebration of empathy, hope, and the extraordinary difference one loving dog can make in the world.

I wholeheartedly recommend Please Pet Me: I’m Bryn, A Lovable Therapy Dog. It is a book that children will enjoy, adults will treasure, and anyone who has ever witnessed the quiet work of a therapy dog will recognize as a genuine labor of love.


I have no doubt that Bryn’s story will inspire children to look beyond a wagging tail and see the remarkable heart of a therapy dog. In a world that can always use a little more kindness, this is exactly the kind of book that deserves to be shared.