The Promise of Hope - A Journey to Spirit Cove

When a single mother, faced a life-threatening brain tumor, a small therapy dog brought her unexpected hope and peace. She promised herself that she would share that gift with others if she survived.

This promise led to TimberKnolls Spirit Cove, a nonprofit organization that uses gentle giant Newfoundland therapy dogs to comfort those in need.  Spirit Cove honors the legacy of two beloved therapy dogs, Chewie and Hudson, whose work has inspired over 90 Newfoundland therapy teams nationwide.

As Western NC recovers from Hurricane Helene, Spirit Cove aims to open its doors as a sanctuary for hurricane survivors, healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, students, and others battling illness and trauma. But to make this vision a reality, we need your help.

With just $7 a month—less than a quarter a day—you can help Spirit Cove become a lasting source of healing and hope for those in desperate need. Will you join us in keeping this promise of hope?

Watch this video to see who we help

Read on to learn more

It all started with a brain tumor—and a promise.

When Lisa Schiller, a single mother and corporate workaholic, received the life-altering diagnosis of a massive brain tumor, she found herself alone in a hospital room, wondering if she would survive to see her daughter again. Then, a hospital volunteer entered the room with a small therapy dog. In those quiet moments with that gentle soul, something powerful happened: hope and peace took root, lifting away pain and fear. Lisa made a promise that day—to find a way to share that gift of hope with others should she recover.

Months later, as Lisa began to rebuild her life, one question stayed with her: If a small dog could bring me comfort, what could a giant one do? This thought led her to adopt Chewie, a Newfoundland therapy dog whose size and gentle nature would have an incredible impact. Chewie’s calm and loving presence brought peace and joy to those he encountered, inspiring Lisa to create a space where others could experience the healing power of these gentle giants. This vision became TimberKnolls Spirit Cove, a nonprofit founded by Lisa in collaboration with two remarkable women—Patti Sutherland and Benita Edds of TimberKnoll Newfoundlands.

Benita, an Olympic athlete with over 20 years of dog training experience, and Patti, creator of the Hudson Ambassador program, had both seen the transformative power of Newfoundland dogs in action. Thanks to the support and love of a Newfoundland named Hudson, the Hudson Ambassador program helped at-risk teens stay in school. Lisa, Benita, and Patti dedicated themselves to building a sanctuary where Newfoundland therapy dogs could help people find peace, resilience, and hope.

Earlier this year, Chewie passed away, but his legacy lives on alongside Hudson’s. Their love and inspiration have fueled over 90 Newfoundland therapy teams across the United States. These “gentle giants” are a lifeline for people battling depression, anxiety, illness, and trauma. In North Carolina alone, where 1 in 5 high school students have seriously considered suicide—even before the devastation of Hurricane Helene—the need for emotional healing has never been greater.

As the Western NC community faces Helene's aftermath, the time has come to bring TimberKnolls Spirit Cove to life. This ranch will provide a sanctuary of peace and support to hurricane survivors, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, and students. It will also serve as a training ground for new therapy teams, creating a sustainable response to the urgent mental health crisis nationwide. 

However, this vision can only be realized with the support of others. To open the ranch this spring, TimberKnolls Spirit Cove invites supporters to join the journey. With just $7 a month—less than a quarter a day—you can help make Spirit Cove a lasting beacon of healing and hope for those who need it most. Regardless of size, every donation fulfills a promise and changes a life.

Will you help keep this promise and bring hope to those who need it most?