Ambassador Dog Team

Connecting Hearts Through Wagging Tails

The Ambassador Dog Team is a unique community outreach program by the Flagler Humane Society, featuring our dedicated volunteers and their well-mannered, socialized dogs. Together, they bring joy and comfort to seniors, children, and individuals with cognitive disabilities across Flagler County.

 

Who Are the Ambassador Dogs?

While not all of our dogs are certified therapy or service animals, each one is carefully assessed for friendly behavior, calm temperament, and the ability to interact safely with children, seniors, and other dogs. Some are certified therapy dogs, bringing an extra level of support and connection to those we visit.

Interested in joining with your dog? See how to get started.

A Legacy of Compassion: “Granny Kind”

The program was founded over 25 years ago by the late Yvonne Presley, affectionately known as “Granny Kind.” Wearing an apron adorned with 3D animal figures and using a felt storyboard, she visited schools and libraries to teach children about:

  • Humane treatment of animals
  • Responsible pet ownership
  • Compassion and empathy

Her legacy continues through every visit the Ambassador Dog Team makes today.

 

Paws for Reading: Where Kids Read to Dogs

Launched in 2013 in partnership with the Flagler County Public Library, Paws for Reading is a free weekly reading program where children practice their reading skills by reading aloud to our Ambassador Dogs in a fun and non-judgmental environment.

Wednesdays | 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Children’s Department, Flagler County Public Library – Palm Coast Library, located at 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Flagler County Public Library – Bunnell Library @ the Nexus Center, located at 2199 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110

 

Who We Visit

The Ambassador Dog Team makes regular visits to a variety of community partners, including:

  • Assisted Living & Memory Care: Tuscan Gardens, HarborChase, Brookdale, Las Palmas
  • Nursing Homes: Grand Oaks
  • Preschools & Daycares: Two by Two Preschool, Little Angels Daycare
  • Special Needs Facilities: ECHO, Early Learning Coalition of Flagler County
  • Hospice Care: Advent Stuart Meyer Hospice House
  • Local Schools and Camps

 

Camp Paw Print & Summer Education

At FHS’s Camp Paw Print and other children’s camps, the Ambassador Dog Team provides engaging educational sessions on:

  • How to safely approach and pet a dog
  • Understanding the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs
  • Reading and storytelling time with therapy dogs

 

Why It Matters

The Ambassador Dog Team helps build confidence, reduce stress, and promote empathy through meaningful, one-on-one interactions with animals. Whether it’s a child learning to read or a senior in memory care, our dogs’ comfort and companionship make a lasting impact.

Want to Join the Ambassador Dog Team? All members must be registered FHS volunteers. Here's how to get started:

  1. Visit our Volunteer page, choose General Volunteer or Teen Volunteer, then watch the orientation video and pass the quiz
  2. Sign up as a volunteer in our volunteer portal
  3. Once you're registered, find the Ambassador Dog Team in the volunteer portal and sign up to join

Bring the Ambassador Dog Team to Your Organization

Schools, libraries, senior living communities, and other Flagler County organizations can request a visit from our Ambassador Dog Team. We’d love to hear from you!