Among heroes such as Lassie, Underdog and Old Yeller stands one dog on a mission to serve. Jester, a 5-year-old miniature poodle, has been volunteering as a therapy dog for a little over a year.

Jester recently earned the title “Therapy Dogs International Active Volunteer” after he and handler Sharon Pflaumer of DeKalb completed more than 50 therapy dog visits.

Therapy Dogs International Inc. is a national nonprofit organization that works with volunteers to provide a variety of institutions and facilities with visits from qualified handlers and their certified dogs.

Pflaumer and Jester started out visiting with her father, who lived in a nursing home, but continued the visits after realizing the profound impact the dog had made.

“I have always known about TDI, and when more people became interested in the dog, I put two and two together to look into certification,” Pflaumer said.

In order to become certified, Jester was taught to accept wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other items he may come in contact with.

Jester’s friendly attitude helped him pass the evaluation tests, and soon afterward he and Pflaumer became active volunteers at Pine Acres Care Center, 1212 S. 2nd St.

Annawill Zentgraf, who the pair visits at least once a week, is thankful for Pflaumer, noting that her favorite part of each visit is when Jester jumps up into her bed and lies across her lap.

“I look forward to it; I wish more people would bring their animals,” Zentgraf said.

The staff at Pine Acres also appreciates the volunteers who spend time sharing their dogs with the residents.

“It makes a big difference in our day. We enjoy seeing the dogs as much as [the residents] do,” said staff nurse Bonnie Erwin.

Studies have shown therapy dogs can help lower blood pressure, reduce the need for medicines and relieve agitation, anxiety and stress in patients.

“We think the dogs are another mean of non-medicinal pain management,” said Pine Acres admissions director Connie Peterson.

Pflaumer and Jester also participate in the Healing Paws Program at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, and the Reading With Rover Program at the DeKalb Public Library.