Therapy Dog Talk

10 Episodes
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By: Sherrie Rohde

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.
#102
Today at 9:37 PM

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Nicole + Tanner: A paramedic Facility Dog team in Canada.
#101
02/13/2024

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.
#100
02/06/2024

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.
#99
12/31/2023

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.
#98
12/27/2023

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.
#97
12/24/2023

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.
#96
12/21/2023

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.
#95
12/19/2023

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.
#94
11/21/2023

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.
#93
11/12/2023

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...