Therapy Dog Talk
Join us weekly to talk with Therapy Dog teams and researchers around the world about the impact they're making in their area.The Therapy Dog Talk podcast originates as an Instagram Live series on @therapydogtalk. Find out more at therapydogtalk.com.
Kentucky + Derby: A surf and Therapy Dog team in CA.
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Nicole + Tanner: A paramedic Facility Dog team in Canada.
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, he...Tessa + Finn: An Animal-Assisted Crisis Response team in LA.
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 Anim...Neil + Breezy: A Beagle pet therapy team in Tampa, FL.
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...Brian + Riley: An airport Therapy Dog team in Denver.
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 re...Sumbul + Budge: A volunteer Therapy Dog team in Denver.
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 Bu...Kim + Tomo & Toshi: An Akita Therapy Dog team in MA.
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 A...Hallie + Apgar: An Animal Assisted Therapy team in Georgia.
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...UgnÄ— + Kuna: A volunteer Therapy Dog team in Lithuania.
UgnÄ— 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 jo...Shannon + Blue: A Therapy Dog trainer in Prince Edward Island.
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...Sarah + Pixel: A Klee Kai Therapy Dog team in California.
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 T...Celebration of the Horse Day with Mary Rose + Honey
Mary Rose and her miniature Therapy Horse Honey are changing lives while volunteering together in Florida.
In this bonus episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Mary Rose Gullet about her unique journey with Honey, her miniature Therapy Horse. We recorded this episode on Celebration of the Horse Day to learn about what it’s like to train and partner with equines for therapy work.
In this episode, we discuss …
Why Mary Rose knew that Honey had something special to offer to others as a Miniature Therapy Horse.What Honey’s training looked like a...Estella + Monti & Finn: Volunteer Therapy Poms in Nashville.
Estella and her volunteer Therapy Poms work through their own traumas while helping others with theirs.
In this 91st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I talk with Estella about the heartwarming story of her senior Pomeranians, Monti and Finn, and their combined journey of healing and support.
In this episode, we discuss …
The unique stories behind Monti and Finn becoming registered Therapy Dogs.Estella’s incredible experiences volunteering with her Therapy Poms, especially in the juvenile court system.The necessity of self-care for Therapy Dog handlers, taking from Estella’s own lessons learned from her tr...Christie + Frankie: A School Therapy Dog team in Illinois.
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 doin...Jennifer + Eclipse: An Animal-Assisted Counseling Team
Jennifer’s Bernedoodle Eclipse partners with her in Animal-Assisted Counseling as a therapy assistant.
In this 89th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I welcome Jennifer Uhlman, a Marriage and Family Therapist, and her Bernedoodle, Eclipse. Jennifer shares the unique journey that led Eclipse from service dog training to partnering with her in Animal-Assisted Counseling, an unexpected pivot due to Eclipse’s health and anxiety-related issues.
In this episode, we discuss …
What it was like for Eclipse to transition from a Service Dog in training to a therapeutic assistant in Animal-Assisted Counseling.How Eclipse has been h...Bree + Mickey: A School Therapy Dog team in California.
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 bounda...Cathy + Harley & Jaxson: A Groovy Goldendoodle team in SC.
AAAIP Board Member Cathy Bennett is trailblazing Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) in Charleston.
In this 87th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Cathy Bennett, a key player in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI). She’s the Therapy Dog Program Coordinator at the Medical University of South Carolina, a proud Board Member of the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP), and an enthusiastic Goldendoodle lover.
In this episode, we discuss …
How Cathy fell in love with Goldendoodles before it was cool.What she looks for to make sure therapy animals enjoy their work.Why she’s invo...Heidi, Chance & Chubs: An Airport Therapy Dog Coordinator.
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 natu...Kennedy + Remy & Finn: An Animal Assisted Therapy team in Indiana.
Kennedy pursued Therapy Dog training with her rescue and now she’s applying what she’s learned with her new prospect, Finn.
In this 85th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Kennedy Connor, a licensed child and adolescent therapist in Indianapolis. Kennedy shares about her therapy dog training journey with her four-year-old pup, Remy, a natural Therapy Dog “unicorn,” who has joined her in Animal-Assisted Therapy as well as the steps she’s taking to prepare her four month old field spaniel, Finn, for a future in therapy work.
In this episode, we discuss...
Stasha Wong: A Director at Animal-Assisted Interactions Singapore.
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...The role of advocacy in National Therapy Animal Day
Did you know the goal of National Therapy Animal Day is grounded in advocacy through proclamations and legislation?
In this bonus episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I dig into the goals of National Therapy Animal Day with some incredible guests: Mary Margaret Callahan, Chief Mission Officer at Pet Partners as well as Diane Prange and Connie Priesz, both from North Star Therapy Animals in Minnesota.
In this episode, we discuss …
Why advocacy and legislation are important for the future of therapy animals.What it takes to get started advocating for thearpy animal work in yo...Magi + Remi: An Animal-Assisted Occupational Therapy team.
Madi Sontag and her dog Remi are charting their own course together in Animal-Assisted Occupational Therapy.
In this 83rd episode ofTherapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Magi Sontag, an Occupational Therapy student set to graduate that weekend, about her capstone project at the therapy barn TREE House of Greater St. Louis where she and her dog Remi practicedAnimal-Assisted Occupational Therapy together. Before this project, they also volunteered together as a Therapy Dog team in Omaha through Alliance of Therapy Dogs where they visited several locations including libraries, universities, nursing homes and shelters for the unhoused.
<...Erin + Winston: A Labradoodle Therapy Dog team in Florida.
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 fi...
Kilyn + Bubbles: A cruelty survivor Therapy Dog team.
Kilyn and her dog Bubbles, a cruelty survivor, have a unique way of reaching children who also have had a difficult past.
In this 81st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Kilyn Horton and her Pitbull rescue, Bubbles. We discuss their heartwarming journey together, focusing on how they help children who have experienced trauma or have disabilities. Kilyn found Bubbles while volunteering at Houston Pets Alive! after Hurricane Harvey. Despite her challenging past and injuries from a gunshot wound, Bubbles’ incredible resilience and loving nature make her a perfect therapy dog.
In th...
Jessica + Hera: A Maltese Therapy Dog team in Calgary.
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 impr...Heather + Dolly: A therapy dog team creating book worms.
Heather and her Golden Retriever, Dolly, join forces to inspire a love for reading, creating bookworms one child at a time.
In this 79th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Heather and her Golden Retriever, Dolly, about their inspiring work in creating bookworms by combining Heather’s passion for education with Dolly’s natural bond with children. Heather shares her journey as an educator and how she and Dolly became a successful therapy dog team.
In this episode, we discuss …
How Therapy Dogs can foster a love for reading by boosting kids’ confiden...National Beagle Day with Cheyanne + Mardi & Tiana
What better way to celebrate National Beagle Day than with Cheyanne and her Therapy Dogs Mardi and Tiana?
In this bonus episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I celebrate National Beagle Day with Cheyanne and her two therapy beagles, Mardi and Tiana. We chat about their journey, from Mardi’s transformation from rescue dog to therapy dog, to Tiana’s work with HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response.
In this episode, we discuss …
Mardi's journey from rescue beagle to therapy dog.The importance of patience when training dogs for therapy work.What it takes to become a HOPE A...Miranda + Arya & Mazy: A Therapy Dog team in Alaska.
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 inc...Cara + Little Dude: A Therapy Dog team teaching kindness.
Cara is creating social emotional learning curriculum inspired by her experiences volunteering with her dog Little Dude.
In this 77th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Cara Zelas and her charming Shih Tzu Bichon Poodle mix, Little Dude, about their inspiring work in social-emotional learning and therapy dog support. We discuss how Little Dude’s big personality led Cara to become a therapy dog handler, and how it influenced her children’s book series, “Big World of Little Dude.”
In this episode, we discuss …
How Cara’s experiences volunteering as a Therapy Dog team ins...Tamara + Ginger: A speech language pathology team
Tamara and Ginger are a Certified Therapy Dog team with big plans to increase representation in Speech Language Pathology.
In this 76th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Tamara Stroble and her Goldendoodle, Ginger, about their adventure as a Certified Therapy Dog team and her plans to bring animal-assisted therapy into her speech-language pathology work.
In this episode, we discuss …
How Tamara’s experience at a rehabilitation hospital inspired her to pursue animal-assisted therapy.What Tamara looked for in selecting a puppy to become a therapy dog.How Tamara aims to increase repr...Heather + Sailor & Harbor: A Love on a Leash team.
Heather and her Labradors Sailor and Harbor are mentoring new Love on a Leash pet therapy teams during supervised visits.
In this 75th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Heather and her two Black Labradors, Sailor and Harbor. We talk about their experiences as therapy dogs with Love on a Leash, and how they help new pet therapy teams learn the ropes during supervised visits. We also share heartwarming stories from their work.
In this episode, we discuss …
What Heather learned in training her labradors to be therapy dogs.How to get in...Salina + Jedi: A Therapy Dog team for foster youth.
Salina and her Therapy Dog Jedi the Shih Tzu enjoyed bringing joy to foster youth in New York.
In this 74th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Salina and her lovable Shih Tzu, Jedi, to talk about their heartwarming volunteer work with The Good Dog Foundation in New York. We especially focus on their favorite experiences working with foster youth.
In this episode, we discuss …
How Salina and Jedi enjoyed volunteering with foster youth.What Salina has learned about stable temperaments for therapy dogs.How your dog’s medical needs might mean...Parnita + Leo: A Therapy Dog team with Children's books.
Parnita and her Therapy Dog Leo are reaching children they visit with their own series of Children's books featuring Leo.
In this 73rd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I talk with Parnita Senjit about her wonderful therapy dog, Leo. We explore their incredible volunteer work through The Dog Alliance in Texas and Pets As Therapy in the UK, as well as their unique way of connecting with children through the Lil’ Leo book series.
In this episode, we discuss …
What inspired Parnita to write a children’s series about her dog Leo.How she knows...Steph + Bruce: A school Therapy Dog team in Missouri.
Steph and her Whoodle Bruce are working as a School Therapy Dog team and helping other teachers to do the same.
In this 72nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Steph Kallas and her wonderful Whoodle, Bruce, about their inspiring work as a school therapy dog team working in Animal Assisted Education. We dive into how they help children who find it difficult to trust adults, and how this partnership has changed the lives of many students.
In this episode, we discuss …
How Steph has seen Bruce help children to enjoy school mo...Judy + Ricochet: A Canine Assisted Surf Therapy team.
Surf Dog Ricochet has charted her own course of Canine Assisted Surf Therapy in San Diego, California.
In this 71st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Judy Fridono and her remarkable 15-year-old Golden Retriever, Ricochet, famously known as Surf Dog Ricochet. Together, they form an incredible Canine Assisted Surf Therapy team in San Diego, California. We discuss how Ricochet transitioned from a Service Dog prospect to a therapy dog, and how they got started in Canine Assisted Surf Therapy, helping people from adaptive surfers to volunteering through Pawsitive Teams and are certified through Alliance of...
Suzanne + Murphy: A Special Victims Unit Therapy Dog team.
Suzanne and her Therapy Dog Murphy comfort child victims in the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit.
In this 70th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Suzanne Clouchete and her Goldendoodle, Murphy, about their work with child victims in the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit in Florida. As a certified team through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, they’re also part of the Zen Dogs Therapy Network.
In this episode, we discuss …
How Suzanne decided to partner with a Therapy Dog.What a week on the job looks like for...Brian + Magnus: A hospital Therapy Dog team in New York.
For Brian, volunteering with his pup Magnus the Therapy Dog is a way to bring moments of normalcy to critically and terminally ill children.
In this 69th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Brian Benson and his amazing Yellow Labrador, Magnus, known around the world as Magnus the Therapy Dog. We dive into their inspiring journey as a volunteer team with the Good Dog Foundation in New York, and how they’ve touched the lives of many terminally and critically ill children.
In this episode, we discuss …
Why Magnus initially joined Brian’s fami...Katie + Archer: A volunteer Therapy Dog team in New Jersey.
Katie has a lot to share about her experiences getting started as a Therapy Dog team with her Golden Retriever, Archer.
In this 68th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Katie Baron and her dog, Archer, about being a Therapy Dog team in New Jersey with Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog. We talk about their visits to places like assisted living facilities, hospitals, libraries, and schools, and how they make friends with the people they meet.
In this episode, we discuss …
What the different AKC Therapy Dog titles are and which one Ar...Tania + Molly Rose: A volunteer Therapy Dog team in Katy, TX.
Tania enjoys giving back to her community by volunteering as a Therapy Dog team with her Golden Retriever, Molly Rose.
In this 67th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Tania and her nine-year-old Golden Retriever, Molly Rose. Together, they form a heartwarming therapy dog team in Texas, volunteering through Paws for Therapy. We discuss their journey into therapy dog work, the importance of finding a good group to volunteer with, and the rewarding experiences they’ve had along the way.
In this episode, we discuss …
How a trainer told Tania that Moll...Leslee + Buddy: A shelter dog turned volunteer Therapy Dog.
Leslee has a lot to share when it comes from selecting and training a shelter dog to be a volunteer Therapy Dog.
In this 66th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Leslee and her senior rescue dog, Buddy. We talk about how they started doing therapy dog work and how it has changed their lives. Through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, they’ve visited places like libraries, veterans’ homes, and blood drives.
In this episode, we discuss …
How Leslee’s journey began with her first Therapy Dog—a doxie named Teddy.What she looked for...
