Meet our Emotional Support Dogs

Janie

Janie joined our practice in 2021 as our first comfort dog. Originally from South Carolina, this sweet soul found her way north and into our hearts. With her gentle demeanor and intuitive nature, Janie has a remarkable ability to sense when someone needs extra comfort. She often settles quietly beside clients during sessions, offering her calm, steady presence as an anchor during difficult moments.

Janie specializes in "silent support"—her warm eyes and gentle nudges communicate more understanding than words ever could. Many clients have remarked that Janie seems to know exactly when to offer a gentle paw or simply rest her head nearby, creating a sense of safety that helps facilitate deeper therapeutic work.

Hope

The newest addition to our therapy team, Hope arrived in 2024, also originally from South Carolina. True to her name, Hope brings an infectious energy and playful spirit that can lighten even the heaviest moments. While younger than Janie, she demonstrates remarkable sensitivity and patience during therapy sessions.

Hope excels at encouraging movement and engagement, often helping clients who struggle with motivation or who benefit from more active forms of expression. Her playful invitations create natural opportunities for clients to practice mindfulness, emotional regulation, and present-moment awareness.

Janie

Hope

Their Role in Therapy

Both Janie and Hope are integral members of our animal-assisted therapy program. Their presence offers:

  • Non-judgmental emotional support

  • Opportunities for safe physical touch and comfort

  • Modeling of healthy attachment and boundaries

  • Assistance with grounding techniques during trauma work

  • A living demonstration of resilience and adaptation

For clients working through religious trauma or recovering from high-control environments, Janie and Hope offer an experience of unconditional acceptance that can be profoundly healing. They remind us that connection doesn't require performance or perfection—sometimes just being present together is enough.