Therapy Dog Talk

Kentucky and Derby are puttin smiles on faces while at surf competitions and volunteering in schools.In this 102nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Kentucky Gallahue and his Goldendoodle, Derby California. They’ve not only made a splash surfing together at surf dog competitions with their matching blue mohawks but have also warmed hearts as a Therapy Dog team through Love on a Leash, always living by their motto: “Puttin smiles on faces” wherever they go.In this episode, we discuss …How Kentucky and Derby balance surfing competitions and therapy work.What it was like to compete on “The Pack” on Prime and why they love adventures.Why it’s important to foster a deep connection with your dog.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/derbycaliforniahttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/puttin-smiles-on-faces-with-kentucky-and-derby/

From office dog to Animal-Assisted Crisis Response and Dog Scouts of America, Tessa and Finn are always improving their bond.In this 100th(!) episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Tessa Bodey and her Golden Retriever, Finn. Together, they navigate the impactful world of Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) with HOPE, achieve recognition through American Kennel Club (AKC) titles and Dog Scouts of America badges, as well as spread comfort and joy at LAX with the PUPs program.In this episode, we discuss …Finn’s impactful role in HOPE’s Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, providing essential comfort during crises.Finn’s distinguished behavior as evidenced by his AKC CGCU and CGCA titles, showcasing his adaptability and discipline.Finn’s dual role in spreading joy at LAX with PUPs and exploring his creative side with Dog Scouts of America, highlighting his well-rounded capabilities as a therapy dog.——I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/finnbodeyhttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/100

Brian knows the importance of finding a Therapy Dog organization that aligns with his lifestyle.In this 98th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Brian about his journey with Riley, a Labrador-German Shepherd mix, from foster fail to heart dog and Therapy Dog. Together they are certified through Alliance of Therapy Dogs and volunteer at their local Ronald McDonald House and on the DEN CATS airport therapy animal team.In this episode, we discuss …Brian’s search for a Therapy Dog group that accepted Riley’s raw food diet.How Brian’s close relationship with Riley helped them choose the right therapy work.Brian’s willingness to try different volunteering places to find the best fit for Riley.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/casa_de_shepherdhttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/98

Kim Fontaine, President of AATSMA, advocates for unique breeds like her Akita Therapy Dogs.In this 96th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Kim Fontaine, the founder and president of Animal Assisted Therapy Services of Massachusetts (AATSMA). Kim’s journey with her Akitas, Tomo and Toshi, provides a unique perspective on Therapy Dog work.In this episode, we discuss …The path Kim has taken to incorporate Akitas into her Therapy Dog program.The importance of respecting Therapy Dogs and understanding their professional role.The details of the training and education process at Animal Assisted Therapy Services of Massachusetts.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/aatsmaorghttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/96

Ugnė and Kuna volunteer as a dog therapy team in Lithuania helping elementary kids and seniors.In this 94th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Ugnė and her amazing rescue dog, Kuna, about their volunteer therapy work in Vilnius, Lithuania through Kaniterapijos asociacija. Ugnė tells us how she transformed Kuna from a reactive shelter pup into a certified Therapy Dog in 2022, ready to bring joy and comfort to those in need with a personal motto of “giving smiles to the ones who need it most.”In this episode, we discuss …How Ugnė’s journey with Kuna began with tackling Kuna’s reactivity to other dogs, a challenge they overcame together.The significant and varied impacts that therapy dogs like Kuna can have, from bringing calmness to children to providing comfort to seniors.How anyone can become involved in Therapy Dog volunteering regardless of their professional background.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kuniterapijahttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/94

Sarah and her Klee Kai Pixel teach us the importance of advocating for your Therapy Dog.In this 92nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Sarah and her talkative Klee Kai, Pixel. These two are more than just a therapy team; they’re a dynamic duo that showcases the essence of a handler-dog bond.In this episode, we discuss …Sarah and Pixel’s strong connection that led them down the path of therapy work.Pixel’s interaction with a young hospital patient that demonstrates the profound impact Therapy Dogs can have.The importance of ongoing training, understanding the dog’s needs, and advocating for them.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/pixelthetherapydog_kleekaihttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/92

How Christie’s Golden Retriever Frankie became the first School Therapy Dog in their district.In this 90th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I talk with Christie about her journey to bringing her son’s Golden Retriever, Frankie, to work with her as the district’s first School Therapy Dog.In this episode, we discuss …What it took to bring Frankie to work as the first School Therapy Dog in their district.How Christie’s son Cash hopes to become a Junior Therapy Dog Handler.Why it’s important to advocate for your dog and how doing so can help others.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/goldenboy.frankiehttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/90

Bree was surprised to find that her rescue dog Mickey was the perfect fit for a School Therapy Dog.In this 88th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I had the privilege of speaking with Bree Long. Once a School Psychologist, Bree now dedicates her time to being a volunteer Therapy Dog handler, working alongside her rescue, a German Shepherd mix named Mickey.In this episode, we discuss …How Bree was surprised that it was her rescue who was the right fit for Therapy Dog work.Why it’s important to recognize your dog’s boundaries and know when they need a break.Where Bree has found ideas for Animal-Assisted Activities and which one is her favorite.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/mickey.thetherapydoghttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/88

Heidi knows what it takes to coordinate an Airport Therapy Dog program and has helped others to do the same.In this 86th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Heidi Huebner, founder of the LAX PUP Program, and her rescue dogs, Chance and Chubs, who are both certified through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Heidi shared her inspiring journey from starting her work with Therapy Dogs in 2000 to founding the LAX PUP Program in 2013.In this episode, we discuss …How it’s important for a dog to have a temperament and personality that naturally enjoys Therapy Dog work.What it took for Heidi to create the LAX PUP Program and how she helps others to do the same.Why various working dog teams at an airport need to communicate with each other.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hhuebner28https://www.instagram.com/laxpupshttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/86

Stasha Wong and her colleagues are creating positive Animal-Assisted Interactions in Singapore through Caring Canine Teams.In this 84th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Stasha Wong, a director at Animal-Assisted Interactions Singapore (AAISG). A social scientist specializing in human-animal interactions and with experience from SOSD’s Healing Paws initiative, Stasha has a lot to share about best practices when working with animals. Together with AAISG’s founder, Adele Lau, a passionate animal welfare advocate, they lead an organization fueled by compassion, integrity, and empowerment.In this episode, we discuss …Why AAISG uses terms like Animal-Assisted Interactions and Caring Canine Teams.How AAISG hopes to set the standard for AAI in Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific.What it takes to become a Caring Canine Team and what they do.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/aaisingaporehttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/84

Erin and her Australian Labradoodle Winston are making an impact in their community from children to first responders.In this 82nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Erin and her seven-year-old Australian Labradoodle, Winston. We discuss their journey as a therapy dog team, including their experiences across a variety of settings including children’s hospitals and first responder units. Erin and Winston are certified by Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) and First Responder Therapy Dogs, and Erin says Winston has a natural knack for comforting and supporting those in need, especially with children and first responders.In this episode, we discuss …Why Erin decided she wanted to look for a therapy dog prospect.How Winston’s intuitive nature makes him an exceptional first responder support dog.Why it’s important to understand and respect your dog’s comfort in volunteer situations.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/winstonpettherapisthttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/82

Jessica and her Maltese Therapy Dog Hera know the secrets to volunteering with small dogs, and they’re here to share.In this 80th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Jessica and her Maltese, Hera, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Jessica has been volunteering with therapy dogs for over 10 years, starting in 2012, and Hera is her second therapy dog. We discuss their experiences volunteering with PALS (Pet Access League Society), a local non-profit organization that enhances the lives of Calgarians through the human-animal bond.In this episode, we discuss …How therapy dogs help improve the experience of patients and medical staff.What the benefits are of small dogs like Maltese in therapy work and how to train them.Why it’s important to advocate for your dog, including planning breaks and retirement.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/malteserushttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/80

Miranda has many goals and one of them is starting a Therapy Dog program at the rural Alaska Native Hospital.In this 78th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Miranda and her two Brittany Spaniels, Arya and Mazy, about their inspiring work with Indigenous Peoples in rural Alaska. We discuss Miranda’s passion for sharing her therapy dogs and her goal to start a Therapy Dog program at the Alaska Native Hospital.In this episode, we discuss …How Miranda’s Therapy dogs provide support to remote Alaskan Indigenous Peoples.What she does to incorporate cultural elements into her Therapy Dog work.Why commitment to ongoing training is essential for Therapy Dogs.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/aryabearthebrittanyhttps://instagram.com/mazybearthebrittanyhttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/78