Our Therapy Dog
Our certified therapy dog is here to bring comfort, connection, and a few well-timed tail wags to our office and the wider Wood County community. Whether it’s easing nerves, sparking smiles, or simply being a calming presence, Emmy plays an important role in supporting emotional well-being.
What is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog is a specially trained and certified dog who works with a handler to provide comfort and emotional support in therapeutic and community settings.
Therapy dogs are different from:
Service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability
Emotional support animals, which provide comfort but do not have specialized training for public therapeutic work
Therapy dogs like Emmy are trained to be calm, friendly, and responsive in a variety of environments - and most importantly, to meet people exactly where they are.
Why Therapy Dogs Matter
Research and lived experience show that therapy dogs can have a powerful, positive impact on mental and emotional health.
Some of the benefits include:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Supporting emotional regulation
Encouraging social connection and communication
Providing comfort during difficult conversations or transitions
Helping create welcoming, trauma-informed spaces
Sometimes, it’s easier to talk, or even just breathe, when a gentle dog is nearby.
How Emmy Supports the Community
Emmy supports our mission by offering moments of calm and connection in a variety of settings, including:
Office visits and meetings
Community events and outreach activities
Awareness and prevention initiatives
Staff wellness moments
Partner and provider engagements
Whether it’s a big event or a quiet day at the office, Emmy helps remind us that support doesn’t always have to be complicated - it can start with a friendly hello.
Meet Kathryn, Emmy’s Handler
Kathryn is Emmy’s dedicated handler and a member of our team.
Together, they have completed therapy dog training and certification to ensure safe, respectful, and meaningful interactions. Kathryn helps guide visits, read cues, and make sure both people and pup are comfortable every step of the way.
“Therapy dog work allows us to connect with people in a way that feels natural, grounding, and human.”
Safety, Comfort, and Consent Come First
We are committed to creating trauma-informed, inclusive spaces. Interactions with Emmy are always:
Optional — participation is never required
Respectful of allergies, fears, and personal boundaries
Guided by clear rules like asking before petting and giving space when needed
Emmy will only be present in appropriate settings and is always accompanied by a handler.
Emmy’s Calm Corner
Fun Facts about Emmy:
Favorite Treat: Popcorn 🍿
Favorite Toy: Anything and Everything ⚽
Favorite Nap Spot: Wherever is coziest 💤
Favorite Weather: Sunny walks / Snowy zoomies / Rainy puddles 🌡️
Best Skill: Making people smile 😀
Hidden Talent: Knowing when someone needs extra comfort 🧸
Superpower: Turning stressful days into calmer ones 🧊
Official Job Title: Chief Comfort Officer 🐕🦺
This space is all about taking a pause, getting creative, and practicing small moments of calm. Emmy believes that coloring, breathing, and play are for everyone - kids and adults included.
