Howdy everyone, I’m Adair Winget and I’m participating in DogFest Houston 2025 because I witness the impact a facility dog can make in the lives of hospitalized children and their families on a daily basis. I’m a Certified Child Life Specialist and facility dog handler to Melman who works with me in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at one of the world's top children's hospitals.

Melman and I encounter Houston's most critically ill patients when it comes to co-treating with PT and OT during therapy sessions, providing support for medical procedures, facilitating therapeutic bedside visits, as well as being a support system when they need it the most. To hear a child or family tell you that they would not have made it through this surgery or admission if it had not been for Melman is validation that these dogs are making a tremendous difference.

Leading up to DogFest Houston 2025, I am raising money to support the Canine Companions mission. The impact these dogs have on the lives of people with disabilities is incredible. Thank you for supporting us as we strive to get more of these amazing Canine Companions service and facility dogs into the lives of those who need them.

Paws & Love,

Adair and Melman