Hope the Therapy Dog

Hope is the Ventura City Fire’s therapy dog.

She has a very important job of providing comfort and support to firefighters after they’ve had a difficult run. She also visits children in the community who have experienced a tragedy, to help them start to heal.

Your donation to the Hope Fund will help pay for her training, food, veterinary care, health insurance, equipment, and toys; as well as for the Foundation’s mental health programming for firefighter families.

Did You Know?

• Hope’s full name is Hope Phoenix. Ventura City firefighters suggested names and voted. “Hope” finished first, and “Phoenix” finished second. The names were combined to signify hope rising from the ashes.

• She is a Cavador/Doodle. One of her parents was a Black Labrador Retriever, and the other a Cavadoodle.

• Hope was born January 15, 2022 in Philadelphia, PA.

• Hope was gifted to Ventura City Fire by VIP Dog Teams in Camarillo. She receives training every weekend at their facility.

• Her handler is Heather Ellis, EMS Coordinator for the Ventura City Fire Department.

• Hope has her own email address! You can write her at K9hope@cityofventura.ca.gov. Please be patient waiting for her to reply, typing with paws takes time.