All animals in the Love Dog programs are trained and evaluated by Sue Grundfest and Love Dog Las Vegas. Find out how to join our team by taking the Love Dog Las Vegas Delta Society Pet Partners Classes.
Meet our Team:
COCO THE LOVE DOG
It all started with one fluffy poodle, Coco the Love Dog. Coco worked for almost fourteen years both in New York and Las Vegas. A very special girl, she was an insulin-dependent diabetic most of her life, as well as blind and deaf for many years. But her spirit was undeniable and her love palpable. Coco lost her battle in 2010 but her legacy lives on with all the Love Dogs and other animals in our program. You can learn more about Sue and her dogs at http://www.photodex.com/share/yourmomentsondvd/98mb9mg4
KIRBY
Kirby was found on the streets of downtown Las Vegas. His health was not the best but his desire to love and be loved was huge. Sue and Coco adopted Kirby and he helped Coco through her last two years of life. Kirby is the sweetest boy and is also losing his sight. He rides in a stroller as his hips and legs don’t work too well but all this has only made this little fighter more loving and loved.
BENNY
We called him Monster Boy when he was first adopted. He had been adopted several times in his first year and always returned to the rescue. An out of control, unstable dog, Benny blossomed under the care of Sue and Kirby. Benny is now the most loving, cuddly poodle around and thrives on his “job.”
ROCKY
Rocky was found in a shopping cart in the parking lot of a grocery almost twelve years ago. Tiny puppies left to die. Adopted by Sandy and Jim, this lucky boy has become the most wonderful therapy dog. Steady, caring, dependable and loving, Rocky sets the standard for all of our Love Dogs.
K.C.
The dog never thought capable of becoming a therapy dog, K.C. has become a star. An agility athlete, K.C. is also quiet, comfortable around all people and incredibly gorgeous! K.C. is our “go to” dog for any environment or population that requires the special touch of a big dog with an even bigger heart.
GETZY
Getzy is only seven pounds but his heart is huge. At just one year of age he passed his Pet Partners evaluation and started working right away. Getzy has his own website and tons of fans as he demonstrates that little dogs can be big in spirit.
LUCY
Lucy is a very special dog living with a very special family. She loves to sail on her boat and play, but mostly she loves to work with her mom and share her spirit with others. Lucy visits hospice as well as children and knows exactly who needs her love the most wherever she goes.
BAILEY
Bailey was a senior gentleman when his family expanded to include two children – his children now. Bailey loves being a big brother and loves volunteering with his family. He spends time at a skilled nursing facility and library and anywhere and everywhere he is invited!
GEORGE
George is a goofy dog. An Old English Sheepdog, George attracts attention wherever he goes. George is very loving and is a wonderful addition to our educational programs. The children love his Mohawk!
ALIAH
Aliah is a very special cat. She retired from the show ring and found a new home and a new purpose. Her owner, Dayna, is thrilled to have added Aliah to her family of several cats and is looking forward to volunteering with Aliah for many years to come
JOOP
Joop was born in Switzerland, lived in Paris and now is a Las Vegas dog! Joop is extremely popular with the children, especially when they learn he has his own Passport. Joop and his person Paul love visiting hospitals and schools, spreading Joop’s unique love for life and his best friend is the cat next door.
KODA
Koda is a beautiful Aussie with one blue eye and one brown eye. He was also the dog who was afraid of everything! Once he joined his family and started learning about the world, his true colors shown through and Koda is now a star therapy dog, working with healthcare facilities as well as schools.
BINGO
Bingo’s person, Sandy, wanted a black dog and look what she got? The most beautiful white Labradoodle. That’s how it works out sometimes. Bingo is a big silly dog, and makes everyone smile when they see him.
MAIYA JOY
Can a five pound dog be a therapy dog? Absolutely! Maiya Joy may appear small and fragile but she has a large personality and enjoys being cuddled and made the center of attention.
GUMMY BEAR
Rygambo, also known as Gummy Bear, started her life as a racing horse. That didn’t seem to be her talent so she then went on to have babies. That didn’t work out too well either. So she finally, at the age of 23, found her true calling as a Delta Pet Partner Therapy Horse. Gummy Bear will visit health facilities and schools to educate them on equine behavior and how it is never too late to begin a new career.
SOPHIE
Brenda always dreamed of having a Yorkie. And that dream came true six years ago when Brenda met Sophie. When Brenda experienced a very rough year, Sophie was by her side every step of the way. Her unconditional love and devotion helped Brenda make it through to better times. And now they are Delta Pet Partners together … and they are both survivors
CRUSH
Crush is one of four dogs in his home and definitely the leader of the pack. He is the most steady, loving Golden Retriever and one of our Complex Delta Team members. This means Crush has been deemed suitable to go into any and all environments and adapt to new circumstances and surroundings on a moment’s notice. As soon as Marcia and Crush enter a facility, Crush perks ups and knows he is working.
CYPRESS
Cypress was one lucky dog to have been adopted from the Best Friends Sanctuary and now spends time promoting adoption with his mom Melanie, a Best Friends Ambassador. He has the perfect temperament and is a true ambassador himself for dogs looking for new families.
MAURY
Maury found a whole new career as an older gentleman and loves his new job. Maury spends time with people living in hospice promoting the healing power of very special cats.
CHEERIO
Can you believe Cheerio was a stray in Austin, Texas at just four months of age? But the lucky one was Cheryl who rescued her from the Gold Ribbon Rescue of Central Texas when she was ten months old. The bond was immediate and her sweet soul shone through. Cheerio loves to swim, play games with children and dogs and is the proud recipient of the AKC Canine Good Citizenship Certificate as well as AKC Agility Titles. Now she has embarked on her most important endeavor, to be a Love Dog and teach people about rescue, love and what a dog can do when given the chance.
SALLY
Sally made such an impression on everyone that even at twelve years old we knew she could be the greatest Love Dog. She passed her Delta evaluation with bells on but sadly took ill shortly thereafter. While she did not have the chance to volunteer with the Love Dogs, her spirit inspires us all and we will always remember her sweet and loving soul. She joins Coco the Love Dog in our memory and heart.
IZZI
After losing two Lhasa’s I decided to try another breed and found a dog with the most soulful eyes. She was given up by a family and went from one rescue to another until I met her and it was love at first sight. She was dirty, ungroomed, her bones stuck out and no one really knew what kind of dog was hiding under all that fur. But she is such a special girl. Izzi is smart, loving and just the right dog for our family. When she gets excited she has shpilkes, which is Yiddish for pins and needles. Izzie is truly a Love Dog!
ZIGGY
Ziggy was found under a trailer when he was a puppy. Noah’s Ark Rescue took him in and he spent time running around on 40 acres with other dogs. Ilene wanted a dog to do agility with and he was perfect … or so she thought. He kept running off course to greet everyone and anyone! That’s when she knew he was born for a different job and he became a Delta Pet Partner and shares his great love for people.
Did you ever meet a dog that grew in your heart the moment you met her? With two dogs to love and care for I wasn’t prepared to adopt a third yet this little abandoned one, right off the streets, was an instant match. She was named Luna because she arrived the week of the full moon. Luna is a sparkler who is attentive and soulful with understanding humans.
BRUTUS AND TYTUS
Why have just one amazing Sheltie when you can have two? Brothers, Brutus and Tytus share their love in St. George, Utah but are an honorary member of the Love Dogs and work with us in Vegas when they come to visit.
























