Meet the Therapy Dog Team

The Human Handler

Name: Patricia

City & State: Paradise Valley, AZ

Current Occupation: Dog Mom

Years Working as a Therapy Dog Handler: 4

Certificates & Training: Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Pet Partners

How did you get started in therapy dog work?: I began my journey in therapy dog work about 10 years ago when I connected with an organization called Gabriel's Angels. After retiring my two dogs, years later I chose to raise a puppy specifically as a therapy dog.

What are you most passionate about in this work?: My passion lies in witnessing the joy on someone's face when they feel the unconditional love of a dog. There are vast applications for animal assisted therapy, as dogs can uplift spirits, calm anxiety, and bring happiness to people's lives.

Where do you currently volunteer or visit?: In the past, I've volunteered at preschools and grade schools, as well as junior high, working with children who may require some extra special love. Currently, I am open to working in any area of dog therapy; however, my heart is particularly with children and individuals facing anxiety.

Share a specific visit or moment that has truly stayed with you?: It's tough to pinpoint a specific moment because there have been countless memorable experiences, but the most rewarding is when someone tells me, "Your therapy dog has made my day today."

Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your work? I have a natural inclination to assist those dealing with flight anxiety.

The Therapy Pup

Dog's Name: Beau

Nicknames: Baby Beau, Bo Bo, Bawser

Breed: Golden Retriever

Age: 2

Birthday: 8/4/2024

Gender: Male

How long have you been a certified therapy dog team?: Just 1 month with Beau.

How did you and your dog first meet?: Through his breeder.

Describe your dog's personality in three words: Lovable, sweet, happy.

What is your dog's superpower during visits?: He thrives on being the center of attention during therapy dog sessions.

Favorite Treats: Cheese

Favorite Toys or Activities: Shoes, but stuffed animals are his secondary choice.

Biggest quirk or funniest habit?: He loves to grab personal items in his mouth and parade around the house with them.

If your dog could talk, what would they say to the people they visit?: Hi, I’m Baby Beau, and would you like to give me a belly rub???!

The Silliness Scale

On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate your dog’s silliness? (1 = Total Professional, 5 = Certified Goofball)

Rating: 5

The Human Handler

Name: Matthew

City & State: Phoenix, AZ

Current Occupation: Real Estate Sales and Investor

Years Working as a Therapy Dog Handler: 1 month

Certificates & Training: Alliance of Therapy Dogs

How did you get started in therapy dog work?: My mother has had golden retriever therapy dogs, and I have always been fascinated by them. I dreamt of training my future golden retriever to participate in animal assisted therapy. When I got my first dog, he had the perfect temperament to become a therapy dog, so we decided to train him to form a therapy dog team.

What are you most passionate about in this work?: Since I was 18 months old, I have been overcoming challenges related to my disability. Thanks to my wonderful family, friends, and community, I’ve managed to lead a fulfilling life, which drives my desire to give back. Through dog therapy, I can train my dog to spend time with those struggling with various aspects of life; it brings smiles to their faces. Maverick loves people, especially kids, and we enjoy helping others whenever we can.

Where do you currently volunteer or visit?: I’ll volunteer anywhere that welcomes us. We have participated in private events, kids camps, and dispatch locations, and we look forward to spending time at hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities, and more.

Share a specific visit or moment that has truly stayed with you?: Getting Maverick changed my life for the better. After working long hours, I was initially hesitant to bring a dog into that environment. But when my situation improved, I realized I needed a companion, and Maverick came to me quickly. He has truly enriched my life, and I cherish every moment with him.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your work? We love spending time with people and spreading joy through our therapy dog visits.

The Therapy Pup

Dog's Name: Maverick

Nicknames: Mav

Breed: Golden Retriever

Age: 3.5

Birthday: 9/2/2022

Gender: Male

How long have you been a certified therapy dog team?: 1 month

How did you and your dog first meet?: I rescued Maverick from a family that did not understand the commitment of having a dog. I brought him home just before he turned 16 weeks old.

Describe your dog's personality in three words: Lovable, entertaining, excited

What is your dog's superpower during visits?: He loves backing into people, making it feel like a cozy cuddle.

Favorite Treats: Tasty Bones

Favorite Toys or Activities: Spending time with people and his favorite toys are big dinosaur figures.

Biggest quirk or funniest habit?: Whenever he receives a treat or a new bone, he rushes to the next room and chows down on it.

If your dog could talk, what would they say to the people they visit?: He would make everyone laugh and ensure they feel loved, no matter their situation.

The Silliness Scale

On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate your dog’s silliness? (1 = Total Professional, 5 = Certified Goofball)

Rating: 4

The Human Handler

Name: Tracy

City & State: Scottsdale, AZ

Current Occupation: (Retired) CMO, United Way

Years Working as a Therapy Dog Handler: 1 month

Certificates & Training: Alliance of Therapy Dogs

How did you get started in therapy dog work?  Gus and I have spent the past year working with our trainer on general behavior and socialization skills. We were fortunate to have found a training program that provided exposure to a variety of situations and socialization opportunities. Early on, it became clear that Gus had the ideal temperament for therapy dog work. He genuinely loves interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds, and the more places we visited together, the more it became obvious that he was meant to bring joy through dog therapy. Pursuing therapy dog work felt like a natural next step for both of us.

What are you most passionate about in this work?  Before retiring, I worked within the social services space and developed a lifelong commitment to volunteering in various capacities. What makes therapy dog work particularly rewarding is the opportunity to share Gus with others and witness the happiness, comfort, and connection he brings as a therapy dog. 

Where do you currently volunteer or visit?  We have worked with older adults, children, assisted living facilities, temporary housing for patients receiving medical care away from home, and employees of social services agencies in stressful situations. We are open to any opportunities where we can help bring happiness and comfort.

Please share a specific visit or moment that has truly stayed with you?  Gus was volunteering at an event where he met and greeted critically ill children. He met a young woman with physical disabilities who, although confined to a wheelchair with limited mobility and communication skills, expressed a clear interest in Gus. She smiled and truly seemed to enjoy his company, and I loved being able to share him as a therapy dog with her.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your work? We love spending time with people and making them smile.

The Therapy Pup

Dog's Name: Gus

Nicknames: Gus Gus

Breed: Malti Poo

Age: 1

Birthday: 6/27/2025

Gender: Male

How long have you been a certified therapy dog team?

: 1 month

How did you and your dog first meet?  We first met Gus in Iowa with his brothers and sisters when he was just 8 weeks old. He stood out as a charming, confident, sweet, and loving puppy. Over the next 4 weeks, we kept in touch via video until he officially became part of our family as a therapy dog.

Describe your dog's personality in three words: 

Playful, affectionate, social.

What is your dog's superpower during visits?  Gus is a charmer. People are drawn to his loving personality and cute appearance.

Favorite Treats: Himalayan Yak Chews

Favorite Toys or Activities: Gus loves going on walks and playing with toys that allow him to search for treats. 

Biggest quirk or funniest habit?  Gus will not eat his meals unless they are served on a snuffle mat, where he can forage and search for the food.

If your dog could talk, what would they say to the people they visit? Let’s play!

The Silliness Scale

On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate your dog’s silliness? (1 = Total Professional, 5 = Certified Goofball)

Rating: 5

For inquiries about our animal assisted therapy programs, including how our therapy dogs can benefit you, contact us at keith@sonorandogcare.com or visit our website at www.sonorandogcare.com. You can also reach us by phone at (602) 428-4411 to learn more about our trained therapy dog handlers and the services we offer.