Morgan the Goofy Newfie spreading smiles to hospitalized children
By Amanda Startare (Living in Washington County - Aug 2025)
If you’re a dog person, chances are you believe that all dogs are special, and that’s true, but some might just have the proverbial leg up. Morgan, a 6-year-old fluffy and gentle giant, is a Newfoundland with a pretty special job — she’s a therapy dog. A therapy dog, which is different from a service dog and not an emotional support dog, is a dog that has gone through extensive training to offer companionship, relieve anxiety and help in stressful situations.
Morgan’s certification process took years, and she is trained and recognized by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, one of the largest therapy dog organizations in the country. Now she mainly works for the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, and uses her talents to comfort the children who need her most.
Morgan is as smart as they come, but she wouldn’t be able to do the work she does without her mom, trainer and caregiver, Sarah Mitchell. Mitchell is a lover of Newfoundland dogs and currently has four. She got Morgan with the intention of training her to be a therapy dog. So, ever since she was a pup, Morgan has been preparing to help those in need. “She had to be bomb proof,” says Mitchell as she recalls the rigorous tests and training Morgan’s had, “especially when working with children in the hospital.” “And even though Morgan’s job is important and tough, she is always given the space and breaks she needs.
The kids at Children’s Hospital love Morgan. Not only is she a comforting presence, but she’s also able to bond with them. She supports them through tough procedures, comforts patients working on their motor skills, and brings joy to a place that needs it most. Like the other therapy dogs on the team, she carries a backpack filled with candy and stickers and coloring pages, giving the kids a fun reward or distraction.
But unique to Morgan is her very own book. This book, written by Morgan and set to release in September, aims to educate kids on the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog. "Morgan the Goofy Newfie" is set to be fun, entertaining and the first in a series of educational books narrated by Morgan's six other fluffy brothers and sisters.
Morgan isn't only trained to be a therapy dog for Children's Hospital; she is also one of only a few nationally recognized therapy dogs and is certified as a crisis response canine.
Morgan is such an accomplished fluff that she even helps teach children about therapy, dogs and service dogs at schools, homeschool groups and Girl Scout troops.
Mitchell's inspiration to train Morgan and give her this rewarding job stems from her own experiences. Her children have suffered medical concerns throughout their lives, some having gone through quite severe ailments, so Mitchell is no stranger to the stressors of a hospital stay.
"I've probably spent six months total in a hospital if you tally it all up", says Mitchell. "Morgan is a master of giving back". Morgan and Sarah Mitchell are inspirational in the work they do, and the happiness they bring to those in need, so keep an eye out for "Morgan: The Goofy Therapy Newfie" to keep up with the joy they spread.
PS: You can follow Morgan's adventures on her Instagram Page.