By living, serving, and spreading smiles close to home, two fluffy therapy dogs have become familiar faces throughout the Hershey and Hummelstown community.

     For the past 25 years, Teddy and Bear’s family has called Hershey home after previously living and growing up in nearby Hummelstown. What they love most about the area is the warm, friendly small-town atmosphere—along with the convenience of being within reasonable travel distance of major cities. It is the kind of place where neighbors know one another, local parks become favorite routines, and even four-legged residents can make a lasting impression.

     Teddy and Bear, a matched set of Bernedoodle brothers, are 8½ years old and hard to miss. Bernedoodles are a mix of a poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog, and in this breed, the size of the poodle often plays a major role in determining the size of the puppies. Since Teddy and Bear’s dad was a full-size standard poodle, the brothers grew into what their family lovingly describes as 130-pound balls of fluff.

     The brothers joined the family after the loss of a beloved previous dog left the house feeling empty. Ready to welcome a new puppy, Peter and Laurel Hartwell drove 1.5 hours through a winter storm to choose their next companion. They expected to come home with one dog. Instead, they met two puppies they simply could not separate—and came home with twins.

     Choosing names for two dogs took some creativity. The Hartwells filled a chalkboard with pairs that worked together—Nutter and Butter, Ben and Jerry, and plenty of others. They wanted names that sounded connected but were different enough that each dog could recognize his own. The names also needed to be easy for children to say and remember, especially because the family hoped the dogs would one day do pet therapy work. After a few days, Theodore—better known as Teddy—and Berenstain—better known as Bear—felt just right. The names may be familiar, but for these two gentle giants, they fit perfectly.

     Today, Teddy and Bear are best known for their work as therapy dogs with Caring Hearts Pet Therapy. For more than seven years, they have brought comfort, calm, and smiles to people across the community. Their visits have taken them to local schools, libraries, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, UPMC Harrisburg, the Ronald McDonald House, and other local organizations and events.

     Pet therapy is truly their claim to fame. Both dogs have a gift for settling into a room and making people feel at ease, whether they are greeting students, patients, families, or visitors at community events. They also know how to work a camera, posing quickly and easily for photos and selfies with their many admirers.

     One especially meaningful memory came during a large COVID vaccination clinic for children in Hershey. Teddy and Bear were part of a Caring Hearts Pet Therapy team that helped provide distraction and stress relief. At one point, the brothers even wore surgical masks. Children and parents alike loved seeing the dogs, and their family remembers how heartwarming it was to watch fears ease and tears dry as kids spent time petting them.

     When they are not working, Teddy and Bear enjoy many of the simple pleasures that make life in the Hershey and Hummelstown area special. They love walking the nature trail and visiting Shank Park, both close enough to be regular destinations from home. They also enjoy stops at JoJo’s Pizza and Rita’s in Hummelstown, as well as Agway in Hershey. As for treats, ice cream is a clear favorite for both dogs. If Teddy and Bear could choose any adventure, it would be an easy pick: a truck ride to Rita’s.

     Big, fluffy, and full of heart, Teddy and Bear have become more than beloved pets. They are neighborhood companions, comfort providers, and gentle ambassadors for the joy animals can bring. Whether they are visiting a hospital, posing for a selfie, walking through Shank Park, or heading out for a favorite frozen treat, these Bernedoodle brothers continue to leave smiles wherever they go.