Ivy Joules, the Northumberland Paramedics therapy dog, regularly spreads joy to the paramedics and patients she meets, and now all community members can bring some of that puppy love into their own homes.
Northumberland Paramedics is once again offering a calendar featuring photos of Ivy in a fundraiser aimed at spreading smiles and boosting community spirit.
According to a media release, the 2026 calendar features “adorable, festive, and playful photos” of the golden retriever, with all proceeds from sales donated to Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and the Northumberland Humane Society.
“This initiative follows the success of our inaugural therapy dog calendar fundraiser in 2024, which enabled us to purchase 50 holiday meals for seniors and community members in need this winter,” stated Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown.
“We are excited to announce that all proceeds from this year’s new and enhanced calendar will go to Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and the Northumberland Humane Society. The calendar will feature beautiful professional photography, generously provided by Sit and Paws Studio in Cobourg, including adorable images of Ivy showcasing her festive spirit and vibrant personality.”
Ivy’s role with Northumberland Paramedics is to foster wellness and connection by offering comfort to paramedics after challenging 911 calls, visits with community paramedicine clients in their homes, and bringing cheer to both employees of Northumberland County and members of the community.
The pup was named Ivy Joules to reflect tools used in emergency care: “Ivy” for IV therapy and “Joules” for the unit of energy used in defibrillation.
She came to Northumberland Paramedics in 2023 as a puppy, when she was under a year old.
Brown told kawarthaNOW the pup has received a warm reception from paramedics, staff, community members, and others from the onset of joining the team.
The chief said the idea of having a therapy dog on staff crossed her mind before the COVID-19 pandemic. Brown went ahead and bought a dog, Baxter, but with the restrictions of the pandemic, there wasn’t access to the necessary training. He became her pet instead.
“When we came out of COVID, we thought, what could be a better time,” Brown said. “I think we all came out of COVID all a little bit more stressed.”
Then in 2024, as a way to further spread joy, Northumberland Paramedics launched the first calendar fundraiser.
The 2026 calendars are $20 each and can be ordered online for a limited time.
Residents are asked to order by 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 23 at northumberland.ca/ivycalendar.
All orders must be picked up at Northumberland County headquarters at at 555 Courthouse Rd. in Cobourg, between Decemeber 8 and 19.
