The family pet is often one of the fondest memories of a happy childhood. It may be a cat that curled up with us on the sofa, or the dog who rushed to the door to greet us when we arrived home from school. At Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, our facility dog Pongo helps provide kids with the sense of warmth and comfort they are used to having in their own homes.

When kids enter our care, there can be an adjustment period. It’s never easy adapting to new surroundings, and things that create a sense of normalcy can go a long way. For one of our youth residents, Jordan, the presence of Pongo has helped him feel right at home here.

“He makes me feel welcome,” Jordan said of Pongo. At home, Jordan is used to playing with his own dog, Thor. “I know that as soon I see Pongo he’s going to sniff my pants, because I’m pretty sure he smells Thor on them.”