Rookie & Penny: The Paws Behind "Therapy Tails" at USO Yokosuka

Before departing USO Yokosuka, former Center Operations Coordinator Storie Maurial-McDorman had one last mission: to bring the comfort and joy of a therapy dog to our community with the USO Canine Program. As a dog owner, Storie believed in the magic that therapy dogs bring, providing comfort, support, affection and that special kind of joy.

Storie never gave up, working endlessly for about a year. She spent countless months asking around Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), searching high and low, and hoping a certified canine would come along. On November 22, 2024, her hard work paid off and the center staff got the email - Katie, Rookie’s owner, and Rookie are a dynamic duo ready to become USO volunteers! Rookie, a gentle and loving black Labrador, is certified through Therapy Dogs International and has her Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club. Rookie basically has a diploma in being adorable and caring!

In January 2025, USO Yokosuka received even more tail wagging good news - a second certified pup arrived at the CFAY Yokosuka community! It was then that Penny and her owner Jacee joined the USO Yokosuka volunteer team. Full of charm and calm energy, Penny is officially certified with GO Team Therapy Dogs, a national nonprofit that trains and certifies therapy dog teams across the U.S. She takes her job seriously, knowing what job she is performing based on which vest she is wearing.

Jacee and Katie are friends, so it is no surprise that their pups get along perfectly! Rookie and Penny are great at providing snuggles, tail wags and peaceful vibes, providing a morale boost and stress relief to everyone they meet. Understanding the importance this can provide for a service member’s mental health, USO Yokosuka introduced Therapy Tails. Now, every Wednesday at noon JST, USO Yokosuka turns into a room of furry comfort and wagging tails. This therapy dog program has become a highlight of the week for so many in the community.

The center has regulars who work on the USS George Washington and stop by each week to visit their favorite pup, whether it is sweet Penny or adorable Rookie. One USS George Washington Culinary specialist loves petting Penny so much that she falls asleep. She makes her weekly trip during her lunch hour for that special one-on-one time with Penny.

Then there is Valentina Roberto Lietsch, a military spouse who works in banking. She takes her lunch break every Wednesday to spend time cuddling with the dogs: “It relieves my stress. It’s truly therapeutic.”

Petty Officer Second Class Ivan Vazquez from the 7th Fleet Band agrees, and he looks forward to Wednesdays every week. “It is my midweek treat,” expresses Ivan. “I love seeing the dogs and catching up with Carmen [USO Yokosuka Center Operations Specialist] at the center.”

The center has even had tiny toddlers visit with their moms, taking in their first experiences with therapy animals. It is a moment of connection, brought together by the presence of our furry volunteers. On any given Wednesday, you will find anywhere between 12 and 30 people stopping by to greet and pet the pups and share a smile. Because, when Rookie and Penny are around, everything feels just a little bit brighter. If you are in the area, stop by the center and meet the cutest volunteers at USO Yokosuka.