Andy Honda - Beyond the Holidays: A Therapy Dog’s Love Letter to New York City

About this episode

Andy Honda shares insights on the impact of therapy dogs in New York City and the importance of connection through her experiences with her dog Koa.

Yes… this episode should have gone out before Christmas. And yet, there’s something quietly perfect about sharing it now, at the very beginning of January. Because this conversation isn’t really about Christmas. It’s about connection. About slowing down enough to notice the magic that’s already there. And about the kind of presence dogs offer us - especially when the world feels loud, fast, or overwhelming. In this episode, Andy Honda invites us into life in New York City through the eyes (and paws) of her therapy dog, Koa, and into the heart behind her children’s book series Koa’s Ruff Life. It’s gentle. It’s grounding. And it’s exactly the kind of story many of us need as we step into a new year. 🐾 What we explore in this episode How a big, soulful Rhodesian Ridgeback became a certified therapy dog What therapy dog visits actually look like - in children’s hospitals and schools for kids with special needs Why Koa’s calm presence has such a powerful effect on children How everyday walks through New York City turned into stories that educate, comfort, and delight The surprising thread connecting Andy’s work as a medical executive with her storytelling for children Why paying…

People in this episode

Host: Anke Herrmann

Guest: Andy Honda

Topics covered

• therapy dogs
• connection
• children's education
• New York City
• emotional safety
• storytelling

Keywords

• therapy dog
• New York City
• children's book
• emotional safety
• connection
• Koa
• Andy Honda
• storytelling
• Rhodesian Ridgeback

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Koa’s Ruff Life

Places: New York City, children’s hospitals, schools

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