A Tail-Wagging Christmas Greeting

Merry Christmas from the Golden Crew!

The humans have been busy hanging shiny balls on a tree inside the house (we’re still not sure why they brought a tree inside, but we’re not complaining!).

We’ve been extra good this year—minimal shoe-chewing, maximum tail-
wagging, and we’ve perfected our 'please share your turkey' faces. Mom has been busy sewing up the corners of the pillows that I have chewed, so it seems as if Christmas has come early. 

We hope your stockings are filled with tennis balls, your plates are filled with snacks (that accidentally fall on the floor), and your laps are always available for a snooze. 

But mostly, we hope your home is filled with hope, peace, joy, and love—the true meaning of Christmas. We might not understand all the fancy decorations, but we definitely know that being together with the people we love is the best gift of all.

May your days be furry and bright!

With lots of licks and head tilts,

-Murphy the Therapy Dog 🐾

Ruby, the Apple-Picking Labrador and Her Human, Betty Peterson

Therapy Dog Team Spotlight: Lainey and Nicolle Hannan

 

Golden Girl with a Side Eye: Meet Lainey, Our Newest Therapy Dog Star and Nicolle Hannan!

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Woof woof! 👋 It's your favorite four-legged blogger, Murphy the therapy dog, back on the keyboard for another exclusive feature!

Every month, I get to sniff out the best and brightest certified teams in the therapy world, and this month, my tail won't stop wagging over the pure joy brought by a golden girl named Lainey and her dedicated human, Nicolle Hannan.

This Golden Retriever is all heart, but don't let the sweet face fool you—she's got a healthy dose of sass, too! We’re diving into their journey of becoming a powerful, paw-sitive force in the community.

The Therapy Trail: From Puppy Class to Paw-fessional

It takes dedication to join the elite ranks of therapy dogs, and Lainey and Nicolle started early. Nicolle shared that having a therapy dog had been a long-held dream, driven by a desire to "give back to the community and help others."

This pair began their official training at Happy Tails in Puppy Kindergarten, working diligently through Canine Good Citizen tests and, eventually, specialized therapy dog certification. They were unstoppable! Lainey earned her certification in January 2025 at the impressive age of just 14 months old, an early start for a pup taking on such an important role. 

Nicolle credits their successful launch to a wonderful community, giving a special shout-out to mentor Cindy Prindle, whose encouragement was invaluable. For Nicolle, sharing Lainey's abundant love filled a gap she had been missing, giving them both a strong sense of purpose.

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A Moment That Matters: The Golden Stand-Off

Being a therapy dog isn't just about cuddling; sometimes, it’s about showing off those hard-earned skills! Nicolle recalled a particularly heartwarming moment during one of their first visits to a nursing home:

"We were showing the residents some of our tricks. With Lainey still being so young, I was sure she wouldn’t sit and stay as I walked out of her sight, but she DID it, and all the residents loved it! The smile on their faces was so much fun!"

For Nicolle, witnessing residents’ faces light up when they spend time with Lainey is what makes every moment worthwhile. She also loves watching Lainey’s own confidence grow with every successful visit. It’s clear this dynamic duo is making a massive difference, not just for the people they visit, but for each other.

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Sass and Snuggles: Lainey's Quirky Secrets

Of course, a good therapy dog has to have a great personality. When asked what makes Lainey so special, Nicolle didn't hesitate to reveal her secret weapon:

Lainey gives an impeccable side eye! 😂

It’s the kind of expression that perfectly shows off her sassy spirit and reminds everyone that this well-behaved professional is still a fun-loving Golden at heart.

Finally, we had to get the scoop on the most important topic: treats! Lainey is extremely food motivated (a Golden trait, I hear!), and while she loves all treats, she has a clear favorite indulgence: ice cream pup cups!
(A smart girl, that one.)

Thank you, Lainey and Nicolle, for sharing your journey and for all the joy you bring to the community! 

Therapy Dog Team Spotlight: Amy, Avah, and River Rose-The Smiling Star

 🐾 Sniffing Out Joy with My Fellow Therapy Dog Teams 🐾

Hey there, tail-wagging friends! Murphy here — your golden retriever therapy dog and official snuggle correspondent. This month's blog is extra special because I got to sit down (and roll over a few times) with one of my favorite fellow therapy dogs: River Rose!

She’s a mixed breed with a heart of gold and a smile that could melt a snowbank in January. Personally, I think that she is a flat coated honorary golden retriever. And she’s not alone — River’s got a dream team behind her: Amy and Avah Connaughty.

Let me give you the scoop on this pawsome trio…

🐶 Meet the Team

• Handlers: Amy & Avah Connaughty

• Dog: River Rose, mixed breed and certified therapy dog

• Fun Fact: Avah became a certified handler at just 13 years old — talk about paw-sitive leadership!

🌟 Their Journey Begins

When Avah was little, she fell in love with the “Read to Rover” program. It planted a seed in her heart, and when River came home from her foster family, Avah knew exactly what she wanted: “I want my dog to be a ‘Read to Rover’ dog.” And just like that, a therapy dog dream was born.

Together, Amy, Avah, and River set out to bring joy to children, adults, and — let’s be honest — themselves. Because when you share love, you get it right back. That’s the therapy dog way.

💖 Special Moments That Tug the Leash

One of River’s most memorable visits was to a Congregational Preschool. Watching the kids light up with excitement and learn how to interact with dogs safely and kindly? That’s the kind of moment that sticks with you — like peanut butter in a Kong.

And here’s something that really wagged my tail: no matter where River goes, no matter the cognitive abilities of the person she’s visiting, they always say “Thank you.” Even memory care patients who ask the same question six times in thirty minutes never forget to show gratitude. That’s the magic of River — and the power of presence.

🐾 Meaningful Connections

River doesn’t just visit — she lives the therapy dog life. She goes everywhere with Amy and Avah, and in doing so, she’s helped them become more open, more generous, and more tuned in to the needs of others. People may hesitate at first, but once they hear she’s certified, they light up. “She made my day,” they say. And I believe it.

They’ve built lasting friendships — with patients, residents, staff, and fellow therapy dog families. Even when life gets busy, they make time for visits, knowing how much it means. Amy told me, “Sometimes I think of a hospice patient I visit — there may not be a next time.” That kind of heart? It’s what makes this team unforgettable.

🐰 River’s Quirks & Cuddles

Okay, let’s talk about River’s smile. Yes, she smiles. Big, toothy, joyful grins that make people pause — and then laugh. Her humans always explain it’s a happy smile, not a growl. And when she’s headed to a familiar visit location? She starts crying with joy a few blocks away. I mean, come on — that’s pure love.

Her favorite toy? A big stuffed bunny named Bubbles. River loves any plushie with a face, but Bubbles is her ride-or-die. Her BFF. Her snuggle soulmate.

🐾 Final Tail Wags

River Rose is more than a therapy dog — she’s a beacon of joy, a bridge between hearts, and a reminder that kindness can be soft, furry, and full of squeaky toys. Amy and Avah are the kind of humans who make this world better, one visit at a time. And River? She’s the smile that shows us how.

Until next time, keep wagging, keep loving, and keep showing up — just like River does.

With a paw and a prayer, 🐾 Murphy Golden Retriever, Therapy Dog, and Proud Interviewer of Helping and Healing Paws Canines

Therapy Dog Team Spotlight: Sarah Graves and Ozzy

 

🐾 Ozzy the Newfoundland, A Big-Hearted Buddy

Hey there, hoomans and fellow four-leggers! 🐶 Murphy here—therapy dog, tail-wagger, and professional snuggler. Today I’m barking out a tribute to one of my favorite floofy friends: Ozzy the Newfoundland. If you’ve ever met Ozzy, you know what I mean when I say he’s basically a walking teddy bear with paws the size of dinner plates and a heart even bigger.

Let me tell you about this gentle giant and his amazing human, Sarah Graves.

🌟 How Ozzy Found His Calling

Sarah’s been in the therapy dog game longer than I’ve been chasing squirrels. She started over 20 years ago with her first pup, took a break when life got busy (kids, work, the usual hooman stuff), and now she’s back at it with Ozzy. And let me tell you—Ozzy was born for this job.

Sarah says, “He’s not just a therapy dog—he’s my partner, my companion, and my daily dose of laughter.” I mean, same, right? We dogs are basically furry antidepressants with built-in cuddle settings.

🧸 Kindergarten Chaos & Lice Lies

One of Sarah’s favorite Ozzy moments happened in a kindergarten classroom. Picture this: Ozzy chillin’ on the rug, surrounded by tiny humans, when one yells, “Group hug on Ozzy!” Boom—15 kids pile on. Ozzy just looked at Sarah like, “You seeing this?” and soaked up every ounce of love.

Then there was the time a little girl scratched his back and shouted, “Ozzy has head lice!” Total false alarm—it was just dry skin. But hey, kids say the darndest things. Keeps us humble.

And the heart-melters? Like the boy who couldn’t read a page when they met, but by the end of the year was reading chapter books to Ozzy. That’s the kind of magic we therapy dogs live for.

💛 Healing, One Tail Wag at a Time

Let’s be real—some days, even therapy dogs feel a little “meh.” But once Ozzy and Sarah walk into a school or hospital, everything shifts. People light up. Stories get shared. Healing begins.

Dogs have this universal language of love. We don’t care where you’re from, what you’ve been through, or how your day’s going—we’re here for you. Ozzy’s helped strangers become friends, just by being his big, lovable self.

🥒 Ozzy’s Quirks: Babies, Veggies & Garden Crimes

Okay, this part cracks me up. Ozzy is OBSESSED with his stuffed animals—his “babies.” He takes them on walks, drops them in random places, and even steals them from neighbor dogs. It’s like a plush toy black market in their cul-de-sac.

And food? Don’t get me started. Ozzy’s on a veggie kick—cucumbers and tomatoes are his jam. He even raids the garden like a veggie bandit. Sarah had to lock the gate to protect the produce. Now she hits up farmers markets just for him. (If anyone knows how to freeze cucumbers without turning them into mush, she’s begging for tips.)

🐾 Final Sniffs of Wisdom

Ozzy may be massive, but his heart is even more colossal. Whether he’s comforting a child, making someone smile in a hospital, or sneaking tomatoes like a veggie ninja, he’s proof that therapy dogs don’t just change lives—we enrich them in ways hoomans never expected.

So here’s to Ozzy, my big-hearted buddy. Keep wagging, keep healing, and keep being the gentle giant we all adore.

Paws and love, 

Murphy the Therapy Dog 🐾

 

 

🐾 Therapy Dog Team Spotlight: Linda Lee, Nellie & Chili

Where golden hearts meet golden retrievers  

At Pearl Street Books in La Crosse, the scent of stories mingles with the soft shuffle of paws. Twice a month, Linda Lee and her golden retrievers, Nellie and Chili, bring more than just wagging tails—they bring healing, connection, and joy.

🌟 A Legacy of Love

Linda’s journey into therapy dog work began years ago with Penny (a golden retriever) and Oskar (a lab). These gentle companions visited schools, after-school programs, and long-term care facilities, leaving behind pawprints of comfort and calm. Inspired by their impact, Linda knew she wanted to continue this meaningful work with her new pups. With the help of Happy Tails trainers, Nellie and Chili were lovingly prepared to carry on the tradition.

“In our stressful world, this seemed to be something we could provide,” Linda shares. “People immediately relaxed with our dogs.”

📚 Healing Between the Bookshelves

One unforgettable moment unfolded at Pearl Street Books. A woman, recovering from a traumatic dog attack, cautiously entered the store after hearing about the therapy dogs. She sat down, unsure, but Nellie gently rested her head on the woman’s feet while Chili nestled beside her, his head on her arm. Slowly, trust bloomed. She eventually sat on the floor with them, surrounded by warmth and safety.

“She thanked me and said the experience helped her recover and lessen her fear of dogs,” Linda recalls. “It made me happy that we could help her—it reinforces the value therapy dogs have in helping people overcome their fears.”

💛 From Public Health to Pet Therapy

After 30 years in public health, Linda sees pet therapy as a natural extension of her life’s work. “Being around and petting my therapy dogs helps people relax and lowers their stress,” she says. “Besides…I love sharing my dogs with others!”

And the connections are real. Regular visitors return to see Nellie and Chili, and Linda has built a cherished friendship with the bookstore owner and staff. It’s more than a visit—it’s a community.

🐶 Quirks & Treats

Chili, the younger golden, has a signature move: hugs! “It’s pretty cute,” Linda laughs. And when it comes to treats? Hot dog pieces reign supreme—just like in their training days.

🎥 In the Spotlight

Nellie and Chili’s impact even caught the eye of local news! WEAU featured their visits in a heartwarming segment about Pearl Street Books’ therapy dog program.
You can watch the story: Click here

Whether curled up beside a reader or offering a hug to someone in need, Nellie and Chili remind us that healing can come in the form of fur, friendship, and a quiet moment of peace. Thank you, Linda, for sharing your golden-hearted team with the world.