Regular clients may have already met her, but we’ve got a new face that will be showing up in a more official capacity.
Theia (pronounced Thee-uh) is a Rough Collie and who is going to be practicing to become a therapy dog. She is 3 years old and enjoys playing fetch and getting lots of scritches and pets.
Why is Theia coming on board?
With Cora starting to have vision issues and turning 12 this year, I’ve decided to let her slow down her “work hours”. While she still enjoys coming to the office occasionally, we’ve decided to become more intentional with Theia’s training to be a therapy dog.
Cora vs Theia
All dogs are different in their personalities, and Theia and Cora are no different. Where Cora gets excited to meet new people, Theia is more demure and curious. Cora can be a bit demanding and entitled when it comes to requiring affection (typical firstborn) where Theia likes it but doesn’t need it.
Theia is an active dog who enjoys and active lifestyle. Cora is a couch potato who has to be coaxed to move. Both have their strengths in the therapy room, but I’ve noticed Theia’s curiosity in observing the client as they process and work through something. She doesn’t require attention, but is always paying attention.
Changes
I will also have to start making adjustments in my expectations of one dog over the other as they are very different in what they bring to the therapy room. But I’m very excited to see the impact of Theia’s steadying and soothing presence in session.
One thing is certainly the same however: people love dogs, and therapy with a dog is (almost) always comforting. Doing therapy WITH a dog is also a sweet experience, and I’m excited to work on my partnership with Theia as she works towards her certification!