If you’ve been through CLE lately, you may have met Frodo, a 4-1/2-year-old Labrador Retriever, and his handler, Ann O’Donnell. This friendly pair joined the Hopkins Hounds Therapy Dog Program in the summer of 2025 and have quickly become a welcome sight for travelers and staff.
Frodo originally trained with Guiding Eyes for the Blind, but medical issues kept him from completing harness work. Ann, his puppy raiser, adopted him and soon helped him become a certified therapy dog in 2024. Since then, they’ve visited schools, nursing homes, and community events, making the airport environment feel like a natural next step.
Ann discovered the Hopkins Hounds Therapy Dog Program on our Facebook page and knew Frodo would love the hustle and bustle. He’s especially good at easing stress during delays and loves hearing travelers’ stories about their own pets. Over time, Frodo has become a familiar face to airport employees too, many stop by just to say hello.
At home, Frodo is a happy, affectionate companion who keeps Ann active and ends the day as a devoted couch cuddler.
For anyone thinking about joining the program, Ann’s advice is simple: if your dog enjoys people, stays calm, and thrives in busy spaces, the Hopkins Hounds Therapy Dog program is a wonderful fit. Flexible two-hour shifts and convenient parking make volunteering easy and rewarding.
Together, Ann and Frodo brighten CLE one wag at a time.
To learn more about the Hopkins Hounds Therapy Dog program, click here.
