At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats. Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort. “Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS- produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.” Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives
A Journey of Growth and Leadership JUSTIN M. KENNEDY
Justin M. Kennedy joined Litherland, Kennedy & Associates in 2011 as a junior attorney, bringing with him a passion for estate and tax planning. Over the years, his journey within the firm has been marked by a blend of professional growth, personal milestones, and visionary leadership that has shaped the firm into what it is today.
Starting as a junior attorney under the mentorship of Roy W. Litherland, Justin quickly established himself as a dedicated and resourceful legal professional. He played a vital role in advancing the firm’s mission by offering clients clear, accessible explanations of their estate plans, how they function, and when to utilize them, helping them navigate the complexities of estate planning with confidence. His ability to connect with clients on a personal level made him an invaluable asset to the firm. Justin’s journey has not been limited to his professional achievements. During his time with the firm, he experienced a deeply personal milestone: He married his best friend, Holly. Roy W. Litherland attended the wedding and was also a proud supporter, reflecting the strong bond that extended beyond the professional realm.
In 2018, Justin celebrated another life- changing moment with the birth of his son, Owen. From the beginning, Roy has been a key figure in Owen’s life. The two have a special bond, sharing monthly hikes and outdoor adventures. This relationship underscores Roy’s continued role as a mentor and friend, enriching Justin’s personal life. When Roy retired, he entrusted the firm to Justin, confident in his ability to expand its reach and uphold the commitment to excellence. Under Justin’s leadership, the
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.” Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people's therapeutic treatment. “I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.”
firm has grown significantly, embracing modern practices and team building while maintaining its focus on providing exceptional client care.
A notable achievement under Justin’s stewardship has been the extensive remodeling of the office to meet the firm’s evolving needs. This included expanding the seminar room to seat 35 people, transforming it into a hub for client education, community outreach, and professional development events. From junior attorney to visionary leader, Justin M. Kennedy’s journey exemplifies growth, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. His leadership continues to strengthen the firm and cement its reputation as a firm that provides peace of mind through all phases of life through education and planning.
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