Love is the Only Cure photo exhibition opens in Chengdu

On 23 November, Animals Asia’s Cat and Dog Welfare Team and Chengdu Fang Suo Commune opened the Love is the Only Cure – Dr Dog Retrospective Exhibition.

Running until 23 December, it showcases nearly 60 moving photographs from our Dr Dog and Professor Paws programs – capturing moments of connection that have touched and changed countless lives.

At the opening ceremony, Project Director Suki Deng opened with the inspiring story of Jill and Max – the first Dr Dog team – reminding guests how a simple act of kindness grew into a life-changing program.

Dr Dogs QQ and Buding (Pudding) and their guardians also shared memorable stories from their volunteer journeys.

Teachers and parents from partner schools spoke warmly about Professor Paws, sharing how classroom visits have helped children explore empathy, responsibility and communication. Afterwards, QQ and Buding delighted guests by guiding them through the exhibition.

Visitors can also read commendation letters from hospitals, schools and care facilities, and watch a documentary featuring Dr Dog Xue Gao (Ice Cream).

With Fang Suo Commune seeing up to 7,000 visitors a day, the exhibition is helping spread the message of kindness to animals to an even wider audience.

Dr Dog is Asia’s first animal-assisted activity program, bringing registered therapy dogs to hospitals, care homes and community settings. Professor Paws brings carefully selected dogs into classrooms to support children’s confidence and compassion.