Valentine’s Day moment at first responder dogs event

13-year-old Mia Greco of Novato snuggles with therapy dog Birdie as Birdie gives volunteer Lena Strickland a kiss at a First Responder Therapy Dogs fundraiser outside the Town Hall in San Anselmo, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. The fundraiser featured a puppy kissing booth and bake sale. Members of the Novato High School First Responder Therapy Dog Club were also on hand to lend support at the event. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)

First Responder Therapy Dogs founder Heidi Carman and Kerith, the original therapy dog, pose for a photo with Mia Greco, 6, of Novato at a First Responder Therapy Dogs fundraiser the Town Hall in San Anselmo, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. The fundraiser featured a puppy kissing booth and bake sale. Members of the Novato High School First Responder Therapy Dog Club were also on hand to lend support at the event. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)

First Responder Therapy Dog Bear gives Marin County Fire Department first responder John Buscovich a Valentine’s Day smooch during a First Responder Therapy Dogs fundraiser outside the Town Hall in San Anselmo, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. The fundraiser featured a puppy kissing booth and bake sale. Members of the Novato High School First Responder Therapy Dog Club were also on hand at the event to lend support. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)

Cooper, a First Responder Therapy Dog from Fort Collins, Colo. offers free kisses at a First Responder Therapy Dogs fundraiser in San Anselmo, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. The fundraiser featured a puppy kissing booth and bake sale. Members of the Novato High School First Responder Therapy Dog Club were also on hand to lend support at the event. Behind Cooper is Carolyn Quinby of San Rafael with her dog Bear. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)

Nick Florio and wife Meg Florio of Larkspur, chat with Novato High School First Responder Therapy Dog Club members Drew Shelton, Ruby Yee and Abby Fisher after buying baked treats at a First Responder Therapy Dogs fundraiser outside Town Hall in San Anselmo, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)