Sherrie Rohde, Marina del Rey, CA (2025)

08/10/2023

Join us on Monday, August 14th at 10:00am PST to talk with Kim Fontaine, President and Director of , about her experiences volunteering with her Therapy Dogs Keeva, a rescue German Shepherd Akita mix who passed this year, and Tomo, a 2.5 year old American Akita. She is also currently training her 8 month old rescued Japanese Akita Toshi for therapy work.

AaTs MA is a 501c3 nonprofit Therapy Dog organization in Massachusetts that provides AKC-accredited dog training services. Currently, they have ~50 Therapy Dog teams and 2 cats.

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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08/06/2023

Join us on Monday, August 7th at 5:00pm PST to talk with Hallie about her experiences working with her Labrador Apgar in Animal Assisted Therapy at a psychiatric hospital as well as volunteering together in the community and at schools.

If you remember Hallie and her other Therapy Dog, a Golden Retriever named Buddy, from Episode 29, then you already know that she’s a puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs. Apgar is a medically released guide dog who has been a Therapy Dog with since October 2022. Buddy is also a career changed guide dog.

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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07/26/2023

Join us on Monday, July 31st at 11:30am PST to talk with Ugnė about her experiences founding volunteering in Lithuania with her dog Kuna.

Ugnė and Kuna are members of the international organization IAHAIO and have been a certified team Therapy Dog since July of 2022.

Together they volunteer through educational activities at and visits at kindergartens, schools and hospitals to spread the word about Therapy Dogs in their country.

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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07/19/2023

Join us on Monday, July 24th at 11:00am PST to talk with Shannon Noonan, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CBATI-KA, FDM, about her experiences founding the Carleton University Therapy Dogs program in Ottawa, Canada, with her dog Blue, a rescued Great-Dane/Pointer mix as well as training Therapy Dogs through her own company .

Shannon is now located in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and remains a virtual support to the Carleton University Therapy Dogs program. She specializes in Behavior Consulting, helping people to prepare for evaluations or helping them learn that their dog may not enjoy this work, and is in the process of becoming an evaluator for the St. Johns Ambulance Therapy Dog program.

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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07/13/2023

Join us on Monday, July 17th at 12:00pm PST to talk with Sarah about her experiences volunteering with her Klee Kai Therapy Dog Pixel ().

Sarah and Pixel became a registered Pet Partners team in May of 2019 and become a therapy team at UCI Health in Orange County where they visit most patients that allow visitors as well as doctors, nurses, staff and even the emergency room.

Additionally, they have made a number of visits to health fair conventions, school de-stress events and senior living homes. In April of 2023, they signed up to receive their Animal-Assisted Crisis Response credentials to extend their reach.

If you have an excitable pup, you’re not going to want to miss this episode as Sarah knows firsthand about the challenges this brings and will share what’s worked for her and Pixel.

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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07/12/2023

Join us on Saturday, July 15th at 2:00pm PST to talk with Mary Rose about her experiences volunteering in Central Florida with her miniature therapy horse Honey ().

Mary Rose and Honey began as a team in June 2018 and now visit over 30 hospitals, 6 behavioral health facilities, college campuses, local schools, pediatric facilities, and much more.

I know we usually focus on dogs here but I came across Honey and quickly learned that July 15 is Celebration of the Horse Day with a goal to encourage people to think about the economic, cultural, and historical contributions that horses have made to the United States.

What better way to celebrate than by learning more about the amazing work of Therapy Horses?

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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07/07/2023

Join us on Monday, July 10th at 11:00am PST to talk with Estella about her experiences volunteering with her Senior Pomeranians Monti and Finn through in Nashville, TN.

Estella and her poms have visited assisted living facilities, summer reading camps, hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Currently, she and Finn volunteer at Juvenile Court, while Monti volunteers with her at local universities during final exams week as well as at special events.

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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07/05/2023

One thing that I’ve learned time and time again in my training journey with Sunny is how much my own mental health matters and how much it impacts her and our work together.

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We spend a lot of time teaching and caring for our dogs. But sometimes, we forget that we need to take care of our minds too. Our mental health matters just as much as our dogs' training.

One of the practices I’ve learned about is called Self-Compassion. This is a way to be kind to ourselves, just like we're kind to our friends. And it's extra important when things get tough.

Self-compassion means being okay with tough times, understanding that feeling bad is sometimes part of the process, taking things step by step, and knowing when it's okay to step back.

But what does self-compassion look like for us Therapy Dog handlers?

1️⃣ During training, it's being happy with little wins, being patient, understanding mistakes happen, taking breaks, and keeping things fun.

2️⃣ During visits, it's being in the moment, being kind to ourselves, setting healthy boundaries, not comparing ourselves to others, and making time for self-care.

3️⃣ At home, it's checking in with how we feel, doing things we love, celebrating small wins, being okay with off days, and asking for help when we need it.

When we take care of our minds, we're not just helping ourselves but our dogs too.

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How do you prioritize your own mental health? ⤵️

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Want to learn more about how to improve your own mental health as a Therapy Dog handler? Enroll in Life Skills for Therapy Dog Teams at sherrierohde.com/course

Enrollment ends July 7, don’t miss out!

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06/29/2023

Join us on Monday, July 3rd at 10:00am PST to talk with Christie about her experiences partnering with her Golden Retriever Frankie (.frankie) as a Farmington Central C.U.S.D. Therapy Dog team in Central Illinois. Christie and Frankie are certified through and have piloted a therapy dog program in their K-12 school district.

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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06/22/2023

Who’s more optimistic, you or your pup? Be honest. 😅

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I love growing optimism in my pup Sunny, Rylie came installed with possibly too much, and working on this skill with her often reminds me of the need to grow it in myself as well.

Being optimistic simply means that you expect good things to happen.

Having an optimistic mindset helps you and your dog adjust to new situations, bounce back from challenges and hard times, and do your best work.

An optimistic approach to Therapy Dog work is essential for both you and your dog as it impacts your:

1️⃣ Performance
2️⃣ Stress Management
3️⃣ Relationships
4️⃣ Health and Well-being
5️⃣ Resilience

By being optimistic, you can make a more effective impact.

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Want to learn how to grow this important life skill for you and your pup?

✨ Join me for a free online workshop on June 23 at 1:00pm PST

✨ Save your seat at sherrierohde.com/workshop

I can’t wait to see you there!

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06/22/2023

Join us on Monday, June 26th at 11:00am PST to talk with Jennifer Uhlman () about her experiences partnering with her six-year-old Bernedoodle Eclipse in her work as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Southern California.

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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06/20/2023

My girls. 🥰

Shout out to for introducing me to and their super adorable Pixar style for pet art!

Check out my stories for a 24 hour offer to claim a complimentary illustration of your pup by registering for Life Skills for Therapy Dog Teams! 😍

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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06/18/2023

Technically Dog Dad’s Day was yesterday but it’s never too late to celebrate, right?

Tag a Therapy Dog Dad you admire and let them know why that is! ⤵️

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Happy National Dog Dad’s Day to all of our friends who identify as a dog dad.

No matter what your role is as dog parent, companion or guardian, I hope you find a way to relax and enjoy some time with your pup(s).

🫶💕

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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06/18/2023

I'm super excited to share something awesome with you all!

If you're:

🐾 Wondering what 'Life Skills for Therapy Dog Teams' is all about, OR
🐾 Looking for a way to level up your optimism mindset alongside your pup

Then buckle up because 'Harnessing Optimism: Mindset Shifts for Successful Therapy Dog Teams' is HERE - a free hands-on webinar for you and your best friend!

Harnessing Optimism is:

🚫 NOT about toxic positivity
✅ about fostering authentic, resilient optimism that helps us navigate the ups and downs of therapy dog life.

Why should you join?

🐶 Your dog is invited - after all, they're part of your team!
🌟 We're delving deep into the power of optimism in therapy dog teams.
💡 I've got actionable strategies ready for you to boost your mindset.
💬 Plus, I'm saving time at the end for a Q&A session!

So mark your calendars:
🗓️ June 23rd at 1:00 pm PST

And save your spot at sherrierohde.com/workshop

I can't wait to see you there!

And hey, tell me below - what's the biggest challenge you face with your therapy dog team right now? Let's start the conversation! 👇

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06/15/2023

Ever wondered what it means to foster resilience in therapy dog teams?🐾

Well, let me break it down for you. Fostering resilience means building our ability, and our dog's ability, to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going in the face of adversity. This concept is as vital for us handlers as it is for our canine companions. When we nurture resilience, our capacity to help, support, and create a positive impact skyrockets! 💫

As a Therapy Dog handler, building your own resilience is crucial.

To do this, you need to:

✨ Focus on self-care,
✨ balance your lifestyle,
✨ cultivate a positive mindset,
✨ set realistic goals, and
✨ build a supportive network.

Resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time.

In addition to our own resilience, it's important to foster resilience in our Therapy Dogs.

In concept training, the games-based approach that I take, growing resilience focuses on flexibility, grit, optimism, and tolerance of frustration.

For example:

✨ A flexible dog can adjust to new situations,
✨ a gritty dog keeps going even when things are tough,
✨ an optimistic dog is excited for new opportunities, and
✨ a dog that tolerates frustration can keep calm under pressure.

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Check out the carousel for an actionable exercise and training game as well as information on the book SuperBetter which I highly recommend.

(If reading isn’t your jam, look up Jane McGonigal’s TED Talks.)

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How do you help yourself and your pup to be more resilient? ⤵️

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Want to learn more about fostering resilience in yourself and your dog? Enroll in Life Skills for Therapy Dog Teams at sherrierohde.com/course

Earlybird enrollment ends June 16, don’t miss out!

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06/14/2023

Join us on Monday, June 19th at 10:00am PST to talk with Bree Long about her experiences working and volunteering with her rescue dog Mickey.

Bree was the first employee in her school district to implement dog therapy on campus. She’s a former School Psychologist of 8 years, and is now dedicated to volunteering as a Therapy Dog team in the schools.

Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️

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Therapy Dog Talk is a weekly series where we talk with pet therapy teams and researchers around the world about the impact they’re making in their area.

Not sure where to get started as a Therapy Dog team? Check out freeguide.therapydogtalk.com

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06/12/2023

Struggling to build that deeper bond with your dog to make you the ultimate therapy team? This is one of my favorite things to work on and is an integral part of the 10-week live online course for therapy dog handlers to take your relationship with your dog to the next level. 🐾💖

With fun exercises and games, you'll learn to foster a deeper connection, creating a unified and more effective therapy team. And as a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist and Pro Dog Trainer, I'm excited to guide you through this process. 🎓🐕

But you won't be alone on this journey - you'll be part of a cohort of dedicated therapy dog handlers, all learning and growing together. 🤝

Earlybird enrollment ends on June 15th, so now's the perfect time to join us at sherrierohde.com/course!

Imagine the powerful bond you and your therapy dog could have, and the impact you could make. It's possible, and I can't wait to see you make it happen! 💪🌟

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Sherrie Rohde

08/10/2023

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