"Good Neighbor" of the Month: Jamie Snyder and His Therapy Dog Sophie

When Jamie Snyder retired three years ago, he had no idea that daily trips to the dog park would lead to a calling that would touch countless lives throughout the Fredericksburg community. Today, Snyder and his Bernedoodle Sophie form a certified therapy team, bringing comfort and joy to hospitals, schools, and shelters across the region.

Snyder, who has called the Fredericksburg area home since 2006, worked for the federal government in the DC area before settling into retirement.

"I have been in the community since 2006," he explains. "When looking for a place to live, we needed a place we liked and could afford. So, Fredericksburg became our home and, me, a commuter."

The journey to becoming a therapy team began organically during those regular visits to the Spotsy Dog Park. "I was taking daily trips to the dog park on Gordon Road and enjoying the friends I was making," Snyder recalls. "During these trips, Sophie would check on everyone upon our arrival, and it was suggested that she would make a great therapy dog. I looked into it, and a month later, we were on the path to becoming a therapy team."

As part of the Blue Gray Therapy Dog Group, Snyder and Sophie maintain an impressive schedule of community service. They walk through the entire Fredericksburg hospital once a week as part of the Mary Washington HealthCare team, recently adding the Oncology Center to their rounds.

Through the “Paws for Reading” program, they visit libraries and schools where children read aloud to Sophie, helping young readers build confidence. They also serve meals to people experiencing homelessness at the Masonic Lodge twice a month and provide stress relief for college students during finals week.

And, sometimes, just the presence of this canine-human duo is enough to turn around someone’s day. "This week, I walked into a patient's room at the hospital. She waved me in from the door, but she couldn't speak. I brought Sophie to her, and she had such a big smile, and a big tear rolled down her face. The joy and heartfelt emotions are just amazing."

Their mission is simple: "Our job is to bring a smile to someone's face, a little joy to their day," Snyder explains. The biggest challenge they face is common to many volunteers: "Our biggest challenge is time. We do get pulled in different directions, and I would like to be able to do it all, but there is not enough time in the day to get to it all."

The Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge #4, where Snyder is a member, has embraced Sophie as part of their community. "As I was training Sophie, I asked the brothers if they minded that I brought her to lodge, meetings, or events. They did not mind and actually encouraged it, and she has become a staple at the lodge."

Looking forward, Snyder hopes to expand their reach. "I would like to see Spotsylvania open up to the Paws for Reading program. We have teams in almost all of the Stafford County schools, but none in Spotsy."

For those inspired to make a difference, Snyder's advice is encouraging: "Sophie and I got started with just a suggestion. If it is something you are interested in and have the drive, anything is possible." Snyder credits the leadership of Kim Frazer, who founded Blue Gray Therapy Dogs, and Christie Thompkins, who runs the Paws for Reading program, saying, "These ladies do an amazing job." 

Through their dedication, Jamie and Sophie continue proving that sometimes the most significant community impact comes from the simplest acts of kindness.

Do you know a "Good Neighbor" who deserves a shout out? We would love to showcase some of the incredible people doing amazing work within our community. You can nominate a "Good Neighbor" today by emailing any member of our publishing team or sending us a message on our social media channels.