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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/derbycalifornia

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes:

https://sherrierohde.com/puttin-smiles-on-faces-with-kentucky-and-derby/

Nicole Selby and K9 Tanner are trailblazing integrating Facility Dogs into paramedicine.

In this 101st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Nicole Selby and her remarkable Community Paramedic Facility Dog, K9 Tanner, who are redefining the boundaries of healing in paramedicine through animal-assisted therapy. Their journey is not just a story of companionship but a pioneering exploration into how dogs like Tanner are becoming indispensable in medical settings.

In this episode, we discuss …

• How Nicole and Tanner are leading the way in bringing Therapy Dogs into paramedicine, helping patients heal beyond traditional medical methods.
• The differences between Therapy, Facility, and Service Dogs, focusing on how each plays a unique part in support and care.
• What Nicole recommends for those interested in starting their journey in animal-assisted therapy.

—

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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/k9.medic.cp

https://instagram.com/pages.pens.paws

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes: 

https://sherrierohde.com/101

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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/finnbodey

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes: 

https://sherrierohde.com/100

Neil has a lot to share on how pet therapy found him and his rescued Beagle named Breezy.

In this 99th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Neil to discuss his Beagle Breezy’s extraordinary evolution. Starting as a rescue dog, Breezy rose to become an AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD), a journey that has not only changed lives, through his 700+ visits with Paws for Friendship, but also illustrated the profound impact and legacy of pet therapy.

In this episode, we discuss …

• Neil and Breezy’s impressive record of over 700 therapy visits and their lasting impact.
• Breezy’s journey from a rescue to achieving the AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished title.
• The strong bond between Neil and Breezy, highlighting the essence of pet therapy.

—

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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/breezythetherapydog

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes:

https://sherrierohde.com/99

Watch Neil's documentary:

https://youtu.be/zBng-zujBA4?si=KHAYLt73ZX5dZlS-

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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/casa_de_shepherd

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes:

https://sherrierohde.com/98

Sumbul helps Budge thrive as a Therapy Dog by recognizing his needs and setting boundaries.

In this 97th episode of Therapy Dog Talk,I chat with Sumbul about her experiences with Budge, her English Bulldog, who transitioned from a family pandemic puppy to a beloved Therapy Dog. They are a certified team through Alliance of Therapy Dogs volunteering at their local hospice and on the DENCATS airport therapy animal team.

In this episode, we discuss …

• How Budge's warm personality and adaptability make him an ideal Therapy Dog.
• The significance of setting boundaries and considering Budge's needs during therapy work.
• Sumbul's insights on the unique aspects of handling a Bulldog in therapy settings.

—

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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/budgethepudge

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes:

https://sherrierohde.com/97

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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/aatsmaorg

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes:

https://sherrierohde.com/96

Hallie shares what it’s like for Apgar to join her in Animal Assisted Therapy at a Psychiatric Hospital.

In this 95th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Hallie to talk about her adventures with Apgar, a Yellow Labrador who’s made an impressive switch from being a Guide Dog in training to a much-loved Therapy Dog. Their story is all about embracing life’s unexpected twists and using them to positively impact others.

In this episode, we discuss …

• How Hallie helped Apgar transition from Guide Dog prospect to Therapy Dog.
• Why the deep bond between a handler and their Therapy Dog as crucial for successful therapy work.
• What it’s like to be a puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs and how you can get involved.

—

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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/apgars_buddy_morris_

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes:

https://sherrierohde.com/95

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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kuniterapija

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes:

https://sherrierohde.com/94

Shannon created a Therapy Dog program with her dog Blue and advocates for Therapy Dog welfare.

In this 93rd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shannon Noonan, where she shared her experiences as a mental health professional, certified professional dog trainer and Therapy Dog handler with her rescued Great Dane Pointer mix, and heart dog, Blue.

In this episode, we discuss …

• How her research showed that Therapy Dogs can have a significant positive impact on people’s mental health.
• Why it’s important to recognize signs of stress and discomfort in dogs to ensure their well-being and happiness.
• How dogs, like humans, can change over time, physically or behaviorally and that it’s essential to recognize and respect this.

—

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.com

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/spontondogspei

https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk

Episode show notes:

https://sherrierohde.com/93