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