ORLANDO, Fla. – Freyja is a Weimaraner therapy dog who serves seven different hospitals in the Orlando area.
“Her primary purpose is to bring joy and comfort to those around her,” said Samantha Baruah, Freyja’s handler and owner.
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Freyja started out as just a pet, but Samantha had always wanted to get her to become a therapy dog. She was certified just last year, and as a brand-new therapy dog, Freyja has clocked nearly 600 hours of volunteer service within that time.
“I can’t tell you the joy it brings to see a patient’s face just absolutely change when we walk into a room. When she walks in, there’s just a huge smile on their face,” Baruah said.
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Freyja most recently placed second in the quarterfinals of the contest for America’s Favorite Pet.
“The support we got was amazing. People all around Florida and across the country voted for her and she ended up in the top 1% of dogs,” Baruah said. “It gave me a moment to reflect and have gratitude about how much she means to me and how much she has meant to the community.”
Freyja will primarily serve children and veterans, allowing for a large impact to be made.
“Over at the VA (Veterans Affairs), there’s one that she’s just totally bonded with over the last couple of weeks, she’ll just cuddle with him,” Baruah said. “You know, the other veterans joke that he is the tough guy of the group and really doesn’t smile until Freyja is around.”
But at 3 years old, Freyja is technically still a puppy.
“She handles herself really well in hospitals and does a great job matching energy. If you want to play fetch or any games, she’s still excited to do that as well,” Baruah said.
Originally from the colder state of Wisconsin, Freyja spent her first year of life chasing birds. But Florida quickly changed that for her.
“Since we live in Florida, she actually chases lizards instead of birds now,” Baruah said.
Freyja and Baruah will continue to serve the Orlando area by advocating for the introduction of more therapy dogs in workplaces.
