About Me

Michael Rapaport and Diane Salazar are proud volunteers with New York Therapy Animals and the devoted handlers of Ranger, a certified therapy dog. Together, they visit NYU Langone Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital every Monday, bringing smiles, comfort, and companionship to children and families.

In addition to their hospital work, Michael and Diane take part in special wellness visits and community events across New York City, sharing Ranger’s warmth wherever it’s needed most.

Michael and Ranger also visit The Foundry Learning Center every Friday, where they spend time with a classroom of children with autism or related developmental disorders—the inspiration for this book.

They live in Manhattan and continue to spread “comfort, support, and smiles” wherever they go.