When mothers and their children come through the doors of Hope Supply Co. (HSC), they’re greeted warmly by staff and volunteers … and by familiar friends with four legs and happily wagging tails. Children excitedly pet them, blow them kisses or simply sit with them while their moms pick up diapers and other essentials. Mothers scratch them behind the ears and smile as they watch their little ones light up at the sight of these furry pals. They’re the dogs of HSC, and they’re part of what makes Hope Supply Co. a place where moms and kids alike find relief from the ongoing stress of diaper need.
Temba, a yellow lab mix, was a rescue dog from the San Antonio Humane Society. Ami Cheek, Office and Development Manager at HSC, adopted her 10 years ago and named her with a word she learned while living in South Africa—one that means “a place of hope.” She never imagined how the dog would become a much-loved part of Hope Supply Co.
Once an anxious dog wary of people, Temba now relishes being able to help her human friends let go of some their own stressors. “She loves to come here and get love, but she loves to give love too. It’s not just about the attention that she’s getting from other people. She wants people to know that she’s caring and loving. … She’ll just go up to people,” Ami says. “If somebody’s having a hard day, I feel like she knows and will come over and comfort them.”
Temba is joined by Bella and Baby, CEO Barbara Johnson’s chihuahua mix and pug chihuahua mix. Together they help to create an environment where clients can relax and where little ones can enjoy being kids.
In addition to providing joy and comfort, the dogs help to keep children occupied while their moms interact with staff. “It allows moms to go in and look through the clothes that we have to offer, get the diapers while the kids are playing. It gives something for the kids to do,” Ami explains. “It’s a nice opportunity to free the moms to do what they need to do.”
But the benefits these four-legged friends bring to HSC extend beyond prompting smiles and laughter and freeing moms to get the essentials they need. Abundant research has shown what so many people with pets already know: Spending time with a dog has numerous benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing. A study published in PLOS One found that interacting with a dog for just 15 minutes reduced stress an average of 33.5%, and the mere presence of a dog can lower anxiety, improve mood and decrease heart rate and blood pressure.
For moms and children facing the stresses of diaper need and economic pressures, these benefits can be especially meaningful. “It just kind of eases them, eases that stress a little bit. And the kids, they’re just kids coming in dealing with all kinds of things and heat, and they’re able to come in here and be a kid for a few minutes while their mom gets diapers,” Ami shares. “Moms love her too. … I think they’re just amazed that she’s so calm, and they get excited seeing their child excited to be able to see and pet this dog.”
Kids who come each month arrive eager to see the canine welcoming committee, and when it’s time for them to go, many are sad to leave the dogs behind. But they know their furry companions will be there to greet them the next time.