Honoring Rottweilers Who Change Lives Through Volunteer Therapy Work
The Jaedyn Annual Volunteer Therapy Award recognizes Rottweilers whose volunteer therapy work has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of others.
This award was created in memory of Jaedyn, a natural-born therapy dog with an extraordinary gift for knowing when someone needed her most. Throughout her years of service, Jaedyn visited hospitals, rehabilitation centers, children’s wards, psychiatric units, and hospice facilities — quietly changing lives through her presence.
Her instincts were remarkable. She even detected heart disease in her owner’s mother before doctors were aware something was wrong, ultimately saving her life.
During one hospital visit, a patient asked if Jaedyn’s name meant anything. When told it meant “God Hears,” the woman embraced her and wept, saying she believed she had been forgotten. Doctors later shared that Jaedyn had accomplished what they had been hoping for — helping that patient reach a breakthrough.
Jaedyn passed away in 2021 from osteosarcoma. This award honors her memory and all Rottweilers who change lives through love, dedication, and service to people in need.
Award Presentation
The Jaedyn Annual Volunteer Therapy Award is presented annually at the discretion of the Colonial Rottweiler Club Board of Directors and award sponsors, Maureen and Doreen Sullivan.
One recipient will be selected each year if a dog and handler team meets the established criteria.
The recipient will receive:
• A commemorative trophy to keep
• Their name engraved on the Jaedyn Perpetual Trophy, which remains with the Colonial Rottweiler Club
This award is about the quality of therapy work, not the quantity. It honors the depth of connection between dog and human, and the powerful ways Rottweilers can help people heal.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Jaedyn Annual Volunteer Therapy Award, the following criteria must be met:
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The dog and handler team must be members of a recognized therapy or volunteer organization (local or national). Proof of membership is required.
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The dog must be a Rottweiler.
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Therapy work must be volunteer-based and may not be performed during paid employment. The handler must be volunteering their time.
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Self-nominations are welcome. However, a letter of recommendation is required from:
• A representative of the facility where the team volunteers, or
• An individual whose life has been positively impacted by the dog.The recommendation should describe how the dog has made a meaningful impact, helped someone through a difficult time, or provided exceptional comfort to the community.
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Volunteer hours are not a determining factor. The quality of the connection and impact of the therapy work is what matters most.
CRC membership is not required to apply.
Application Requirements
Applications must include:
• Applicant’s full name
• Dog’s call name
• Dog’s registered name (if applicable)
• Email address
• Phone number
• Name of therapy/volunteer organization
• Proof of membership in that organization
• Required letter(s) of recommendation
All applications must be received by April 1 of the award year.
Applications may be submitted via the online form below.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the award sponsors Maureen & Doreen Sullivan and the CRC Board of Directors. The recipient will be chosen based on how closely the dog and handler team reflect the spirit of this award — compassion, intuition, service, and meaningful human–canine connection.
The award may be presented annually if the Board and sponsors feel a team has met the criteria.