Trainer Rita Pirrotta, of Love on a Leash, works with therapy dog Abby on May 31 on Main Street in Waterville.

Trainer Rita Pirrotta, of Love on a Leash, works with therapy dog Abby on May 31 on Main Street in Waterville.

Kathy Peterson, left, and Daisi Poole, handlers with Love on a Leash, lead Charlie and Bentley on June 13 into Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation in Waterville. The dogs and handlers visited and interacted with residents.

Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation resident Dorothy Bujold reacts with joy as therapy dog Caroline greets her June 13 at the Waterville rehabilitation facility. Three dogs and handlers from Love on a Leash visited residents that day.

Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation resident Sister Laurette pets therapy dog Caroline on June 13 at the Waterville rehabilitation facility. Three dogs and handlers from Love on a Leash visited residents there that day.

Karen Anctil, a founding member of the Kennebec Valley Love on a Leash group, sits with her dog, Oliver, as a child reads to the dog.

Millie, a 5-year-old golden retriever, travels around Maine in the iconic L.L. Bean Bootmobile with her owner, Keith Smith. Millie is three visits away from completing her therapy dog certification.

Photo courtesy of Keith Smith Millie, a 5-year-old golden retriever, travels around Maine in the iconic L.L. Bean Bootmobile with her owner, Keith Smith. Millie is three visits away from completing her therapy dog certification.

Photo courtesy of Keith Smith Millie, a 5-year-old golden retriever, travels around Maine in the iconic L.L. Bean Bootmobile with her owner, Keith Smith. Millie is three visits away from completing her therapy dog certification.