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JJ's Journey: The Unbelievable Life of JJ, the Therapy Dog
It was 2014 at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Washington State, and a 90 year old woman in her final stage of a coma had been totally unresponsive for several days. The woman had no family or friends, and the staff expected she would pass very soon. Tracy, one of the nurses, went in to sit by her side during these final hours. While she was there, her dog, JJ, a staff -therapist- came to join her and hopped up on the bed. JJ snuggled up next to the elderly woman and nuzzled the woman's hand with her snout. And, the woman began stroking JJ's face. Somehow, JJ had reached her, wherever the woman was. Tracy was touched and quickly recorded it on her phone. In August 2015, that video went viral and has been seen tens of millions of times.
Helping Humans is a heartwarming memoir of a nurse and her dog and their combined efforts to bring peace and consolation to humans in times of crisis and grief. We learn about the work done at the hospice house, the different kinds of work a therapy dog does both inside and outside of hospitals at crisis centers, shelters for domestic violence victims, and after major disasters where they comfort first responders and victims. Rich with informative detail, we also learn the intricacies of training animals for this work, the complexities of recognizing whether the dog has the right personality and how to engage their supportive spirit.
Helping Humans is a heartwarming memoir of a nurse and her dog and their combined efforts to bring peace and consolation to humans in times of crisis and grief. We learn about the work done at the hospice house, the different kinds of work a therapy dog does both inside and outside of hospitals at crisis centers, shelters for domestic violence victims, and after major disasters where they comfort first responders and victims. Rich with informative detail, we also learn the intricacies of training animals for this work, the complexities of recognizing whether the dog has the right personality and how to engage their supportive spirit.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2017
18 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Calhoun
3 books4 followersTracy Calhoun RN BSN CHPN has been a hospice nurse for twenty-four years. She was a finalist in 2012 for the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year. Tracy is best known as JJ’s “scribe” on social media. She is also an instructor and examiner for Project Canine, a therapy dog organization and an active volunteer with HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response. She lives in Oregon with her husband, Tellus, and a multitude of animals.
Calhoun’s The Color Purple THDD RATN CGCA CGCU, better known as JJ, is a seven-year-old Golden Retriever. She is a therapy, hospice, and crisis response dog who is prone to sassiness and constantly in search of bacon. She often is confused with a male Irish Setter of unknown origin, no matter how many flowers she wears on her collars while at work. JJ works three days each week with Tracy at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House, providing comfort to patients, families, staff, and volunteers. Over the years, JJ has become an international virtual therapy dog, helping others to celebrate the power of the human-animal bond and approach the often-scary topic of end of life, whether it be people or pets. She was voted Subaru’s Pet Hall of Fame winner in 2015.
Calhoun’s The Color Purple THDD RATN CGCA CGCU, better known as JJ, is a seven-year-old Golden Retriever. She is a therapy, hospice, and crisis response dog who is prone to sassiness and constantly in search of bacon. She often is confused with a male Irish Setter of unknown origin, no matter how many flowers she wears on her collars while at work. JJ works three days each week with Tracy at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House, providing comfort to patients, families, staff, and volunteers. Over the years, JJ has become an international virtual therapy dog, helping others to celebrate the power of the human-animal bond and approach the often-scary topic of end of life, whether it be people or pets. She was voted Subaru’s Pet Hall of Fame winner in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 4, 2018
JJ's Journey: The Unbelievable Life of JJ, The Therapy Dog is a must-read for dog-lovers like me. Undeniably, the canine's compassionate personality and truly being the man's best-friend is shown here through JJ's story. JJ has also retired from being a therapy dog and she was undergoing chemotherapy. It is really heartbreaking whenever our canine pals/family are sick and we always try to ease their pain by giving back the comfort they've given us.
The lives of dogs usually span from 10-15 years and even though their life expectancy is short, they devote their whole life spreading love and empathy; and that's what we should learn from them. It's not how long we live, but on how we spend/use it to help others.
The lives of dogs usually span from 10-15 years and even though their life expectancy is short, they devote their whole life spreading love and empathy; and that's what we should learn from them. It's not how long we live, but on how we spend/use it to help others.
September 4, 2017
Oh how I adore books like this, animal accounts that feature animals doing extraordinary things for not just their human, but for all. Tracy had no idea JJ would do viral, doing just what JJ and her other dogs had done before; comfort the ill and the dying. It is something she is trained to do, but not all dogs qualify for the job. When I think of my spitfires of dogs, I know none of them could sit calmly, and know what to do in that situation. Loving they are for sure, gentle they are not!
I was able to read the Kindle edition from Netgalley, and Diversion Books. Unfortunately I think there were meant to be photos included, but they didn't load and instead gave image numbers and descriptions. I would have liked to see some of those photos.
I also felt like the book was a little unfocused at times, and jumped around the timeline of events so much that it was confusing. I did like getting the background on all the special dogs that Tracy owned, but had to reconnect with JJ's story time after time as we meandered off track.
Still though, there is something ever uplifting about this book, and I greatly admire both the work of Tracy and JJ. Tracy at one point remarks that she has been a hospice nurse for over 22 years, and I can't imagine the strength that would take. I really enjoyed this book, I just think it needs a little condensing to reach full potential. Four stars.
I was able to read the Kindle edition from Netgalley, and Diversion Books. Unfortunately I think there were meant to be photos included, but they didn't load and instead gave image numbers and descriptions. I would have liked to see some of those photos.
I also felt like the book was a little unfocused at times, and jumped around the timeline of events so much that it was confusing. I did like getting the background on all the special dogs that Tracy owned, but had to reconnect with JJ's story time after time as we meandered off track.
Still though, there is something ever uplifting about this book, and I greatly admire both the work of Tracy and JJ. Tracy at one point remarks that she has been a hospice nurse for over 22 years, and I can't imagine the strength that would take. I really enjoyed this book, I just think it needs a little condensing to reach full potential. Four stars.
March 14, 2018
I'm interested in possibly doing therapy dog work and decided to explore some related books. I was not previously familiar with JJ or the viral video that launched her to Facebook fame, so that may affect my feelings toward this book. I found the parts about JJ's training and work interesting. I enjoyed learning all that goes into thoughtful socialization of puppies to prepare them for therapy work. I also found the info on hospice interesting. But it seemed like the author had to have a certain amount of content and so meandered into only vaguely-related areas -- the author's upbringing & family, all her other pets, even her conversation with a locally-famous air expert when their flight had turbulence. The comments from JJ's fans & community seemed overdone. And the author repeated herself quite a bit -- more than once, I wondered if my audiobook had skipped back. I think this book would have been more effective if it had been shorter and more focused.
October 13, 2017
This was a hard book to put down and to finish because I loved the story so much I wanted it to go on. Tracy Calhoun provides a glimpse into the role of a therapy dog and the dog’s role in end of life care. Though this subject may not be very uplifting for many, this book is definitely an uplifting book, for it provides a wonderful view of how others help their fellow men and women in challenging times. Tracy discusses her job raising dogs as well as her life with JJ at the Hospice House where she works. JJ is a particular dog who has a special ability to know when someone needs her and to give it willingly and easily, whether at the hospice or in another serious crisis, such as a school shooting. The book also contains several stories about JJ’s and her life and work with people in need.
This book is definitely a keeper and will be one I go back to time and again for some feel-good reading. The devotion and work of these dogs may go unnoticed, but, hopefully, not after anyone reads this wonderful story--a story that touched my heart (and will touch the heart of anyone who reads it). Whether you are a dog lover as I am or not, this book will appeal to anyone who has a heart and who enjoys helping others and/or reading about this help. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
This book is definitely a keeper and will be one I go back to time and again for some feel-good reading. The devotion and work of these dogs may go unnoticed, but, hopefully, not after anyone reads this wonderful story--a story that touched my heart (and will touch the heart of anyone who reads it). Whether you are a dog lover as I am or not, this book will appeal to anyone who has a heart and who enjoys helping others and/or reading about this help. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
August 27, 2017
Let me first say that I love all animals, especially dogs. I knew right from the moment I saw the description of this book that I would love it.
This is a book that tells the story of a female hospice nurse, Tracy, who decides to raise dogs to become therapy dogs and work with the Hospice House that she works for. She has several different dogs in her life, but she has two dogs that have her heart and JJ, whom the book is mostly written about, is one of them.
JJ is like a free spirit who has a special sense that helps her to feel when someone needs her. She works at the Hospice House with end of life care, as well as with all involved in the operation of the facility when they need her. JJ also is certified to do Crisis Response when a tragic event happens, such as a school shooting or a natural disaster. I was touched by the stories that Tracy shared about JJ's work as well as her life.
The problem with this edition of the book is that there were many grammatical errors, and that made the book hard for me to get through. If the normal print edition of the book flowed better I think the reading would have gone a lot smoother. The stories in the book were good and I'm sure that other dog lovers would enjoy the book.
This is a book that tells the story of a female hospice nurse, Tracy, who decides to raise dogs to become therapy dogs and work with the Hospice House that she works for. She has several different dogs in her life, but she has two dogs that have her heart and JJ, whom the book is mostly written about, is one of them.
JJ is like a free spirit who has a special sense that helps her to feel when someone needs her. She works at the Hospice House with end of life care, as well as with all involved in the operation of the facility when they need her. JJ also is certified to do Crisis Response when a tragic event happens, such as a school shooting or a natural disaster. I was touched by the stories that Tracy shared about JJ's work as well as her life.
The problem with this edition of the book is that there were many grammatical errors, and that made the book hard for me to get through. If the normal print edition of the book flowed better I think the reading would have gone a lot smoother. The stories in the book were good and I'm sure that other dog lovers would enjoy the book.
November 19, 2017
This book is a biography of special therapy dogs (and one cat) that work in a hospice setting, told by their handler. If you are a sentimental type you may want to keep a box of tissues nearby as you read. It is not that the book is sad (though in some parts it is), but more that many of the stories of the animals are touching and uplifting.
I recently spent time in a hospice setting as one of my family members succumbed to cancer (too young, very aggressive) and the people who work in that setting are amazing, so caring and compassionate during what is a very difficult time for families. With this book, written by a hospice nurse, you get an insight into their side of things - that although death is a difficult subject, it is just as much a part of life as birth is.
The book gives an excellent insight into the training required of therapy dogs, as well as what a good dog breeder does to raise resilient puppies.
I feel like I learned a lot from this book, about hospice, about training dogs, and dogs in general. I have always know that pets provide stress relief, but it is interesting to read about how even small interactions with a therapy animal can provide a positive benefit that is quite long lasting.
I recently spent time in a hospice setting as one of my family members succumbed to cancer (too young, very aggressive) and the people who work in that setting are amazing, so caring and compassionate during what is a very difficult time for families. With this book, written by a hospice nurse, you get an insight into their side of things - that although death is a difficult subject, it is just as much a part of life as birth is.
The book gives an excellent insight into the training required of therapy dogs, as well as what a good dog breeder does to raise resilient puppies.
I feel like I learned a lot from this book, about hospice, about training dogs, and dogs in general. I have always know that pets provide stress relief, but it is interesting to read about how even small interactions with a therapy animal can provide a positive benefit that is quite long lasting.
September 13, 2022
I want to give the dogs 5 stars, but I’m rating the book. The audiobook, specifically. Error of the writer/editor/anyone who proofread: the past tense of the VERB “to pet” is PETTED. NOT “pet”. As in “she loved to be PETTED.” This is something I see on social media all the time & it drives me nuts. Fortunately this only popped up a few times. Errors of the reader: pronouncing the “t” in “often”; this, unfortunately popped up—well, often. Also a couple of other odd pronunciations; I don’t remember all, I didn’t write them down, but one example is “palliative”, where the emphasis should be on the first syllable & the “a” de-emphasized, but she put the emphasis ON the “a”, pronouncing it as a long “a” (as in “hay”). Another disadvantage of listening vs reading was telling when she was reading a quote, like from JJ’s fb page, or a note from someone; I assume that if reading it, these would be visually obvious.
As to the story itself, it’s not just about JJ, nor just about hospice care dogs. So initially it felt a little “all over the place”. Once I just accepted that it was also going to talk about crisis dogs & their training, & other things, I just went along for the ride & found it quite interesting.
As to the story itself, it’s not just about JJ, nor just about hospice care dogs. So initially it felt a little “all over the place”. Once I just accepted that it was also going to talk about crisis dogs & their training, & other things, I just went along for the ride & found it quite interesting.
September 5, 2017
I received this book "JJ's Journey: The Unbelievable Life of JJ, The Therapy Dog" from Netgalley for my honest review.
The book is about Tracy, a hospice nurse who raises dogs to become therapy dogs. The book goes through the dogs she has had in her life and most of the book is about JJ. I did like the book because I really like dogs and it was interesting to find out about therapy dogs. I had the kindle edition and I believe there may be photos in the book but I could not see them on my kindle.
The book is about Tracy, a hospice nurse who raises dogs to become therapy dogs. The book goes through the dogs she has had in her life and most of the book is about JJ. I did like the book because I really like dogs and it was interesting to find out about therapy dogs. I had the kindle edition and I believe there may be photos in the book but I could not see them on my kindle.
December 24, 2017
I have followed Tracy and JJ for a while and am amazed at both of them. Tracy and her husband, Tellus, are extremely knowledgeable of Golden Retrievers. JJ is an absolute angel. This book brought both tears and happiness. I don't want to give away anything about the book. I will say, though, that this book is a definite must-read. You can purchase it from Amazon.
August 23, 2017
Tracy, a hospice nurse, dog breeder, and member of the HOPE Crisis Response Team, shares her experiences with therapy animals, particularly her golden retriever JJ, and their role in helping people in crisis.
January 20, 2026
I loved this book about a hospice nurse and her therapy dog. My favorite chapters were about how she prepares puppies for forever homes, and the chapter on her work with her dog as crisis response team.
October 8, 2017
Follow JJ's Facebook page. It is a delight and informative.
November 30, 2017
This was an easy, pleasant read but I used a few tissues.
I thought I knew about dogs, puppies and hospice care. But I learned a lot here.
I thought I knew about dogs, puppies and hospice care. But I learned a lot here.
April 5, 2018
Loved this book! I laughed and cried - sometimes both at the same time! Would definitely recommend!!
March 4, 2018
Loved it! A lot of info on hospice, therapy dogs. A lot of wonderful stories of many animals and of course the beloved JJ
December 17, 2020
This book reminded me of how special dogs are to not only their guardians but to their community. JJ has a way of connecting with people and reminded them that death is "okay" and that they will get through it. Tracy did an excellent job of incorporating JJ's voice in this book and made me feel like she was sitting beside me while I read.
A truly awesome book for dog lovers, especially those who work with Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs or those who are interested in the human-animal bond.
A truly awesome book for dog lovers, especially those who work with Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs or those who are interested in the human-animal bond.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews