Hi, I’m Bogey 🐶 (Therapy Dog-in-Training)… and Today I Tried My New Job
Hi friends. Bogey here.
Golden Retriever. Professional treat-eater. Enthusiastic tail-wagger.
And as of today… therapy dog-in-training.
Before I tell you about my big day, a few important things you should know about me:
• I believe all humans need more petting
• I am extremely serious about naps
• I take emotional support very personally
So when my humans told me I’d be “trying out a new job” at the clinic today, I assumed there would be snacks, attention, and possibly a couch. I was not wrong.
My First Day on the Job
I walked into the clinic like a professional (okay, I may have tripped over my leash once). I sniffed everything. Floors. Chairs. Bags. Emotional energy. Very important quality control.
Then I met people.
Some people were smiling. Some people looked tired. Some people looked like they were holding a lot inside. And here’s the thing dogs know instinctively: you don’t always need words to know when someone could use a calm presence.
So I did what I do best.
I sat.
I leaned.
I offered my head for petting.
I listened very carefully (even when I didn’t understand the words, which is… always).
And you know what? It felt really good.
Why Therapy Animals Actually Help (From a Dog Who’s Learning)
Even though I’m still in training, I’m learning that therapy animals aren’t just cute coworkers (though, yes, we are extremely cute). We help in some pretty important ways:
🐾 We help calm nervous systems
When humans pet dogs, their bodies release oxytocin: the “feel good” hormone. This can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and help people feel more grounded in the present moment.
🐾 We make hard things feel safer
Talking about big feelings can be scary. Having a calm animal in the room can make therapy feel less intimidating and more approachable, like you’re not doing the hard work alone.
🐾 We help people regulate emotions
Slow breathing. Gentle movement. Soft touch. These things help the body feel safe, and dogs naturally invite all of them.
🐾 We offer comfort without judgment
Dogs don’t interrupt. We don’t rush. We don’t ask follow-up questions. We just stay.
Sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed.
What I Learned on Day One
I learned that my job isn’t to fix anything.
It’s to be.
To sit with someone while they talk.
To rest my head nearby during quiet moments.
To remind people—without saying a word—that connection matters.
Also, I learned:
• People smell different when they cry (still nice smells though)
• Clinic couches are excellent
• Everyone should have a dog at work
Still Training, Still Learning
I’m still practicing my manners.
I’m still learning when to be playful and when to be calm.
I’m still figuring out how not to get distracted by interesting noises in the hallway.
But today?
Today I felt like I belonged.
And I can’t wait to keep learning how to help.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve earned a nap.
With love (and a slightly wagging tail),
Bogey 🐕🦺
Therapy Dog-in-Training 💙