Our animal partners
Meet Ruby and Grogu
A Boston Terrier who heads straight for the people, and a hairless cat nobody forgets. They are registered therapy animals, and they work beside us in the room.
Ruby and Grogu are registered therapy animals. They began with community volunteer visits, and these days their work is here at the practice, in person with our clients. Both live with their handler in Rockland County, NY.
Canine
Boston Terrier, rescue
Ruby
"She's been called the lead therapist, and honestly, she earned the title."
Ruby came to us at one year old through Northeastern Boston Terrier Rescue, and she has worked alongside her handler since 2017. What began as a rescue story became a partnership. Ruby took to this work as though she was born for it.
For years she volunteered out in the community: nursing homes, summer camps, hospitals, residential facilities, and wellness events at colleges and universities. Today she is a registered therapy animal working in person with clients here at the practice.
At the dog park, Ruby skips the other dogs and heads straight for the people. She is a committed cuddle bug: warm, intuitive, and tuned in to what a person needs. She also helps with fear-of-dogs work, letting each client set the pace so every step feels safe.
- Working since
- 2017, adopted at one year old
- Role
- Registered therapy animal, in-person sessions
- Especially good at
- Comfort, connection, and fear-of-dogs work
- Where you'll find her
- Nyack, NY most days. Stamford, CT for occasional visits.
Feline
Sphynx cat
Grogu
"Hairless, shameless, and surprisingly therapeutic. Kids absolutely love him."
Grogu is a Sphynx, a breed that tends to stop people in their tracks. Hairless, warm to the touch, and entirely unbothered by how unusual he looks, he has a gift for breaking the ice.
He is a registered therapy animal too. No hair means no hair on your clothes or the furniture, which makes him a sensible officemate. His personality does the rest: affectionate, curious, and happy to meet someone new.
His look sparks curiosity, and curiosity starts conversations. For a child or teen who feels guarded in a therapy office, that can be an easy way in.
- Breed
- Sphynx, hairless and warm to the touch
- Role
- Registered therapy animal, in-person sessions
- Especially good at
- Breaking the ice with kids and teens
- Where you'll find him
- Nyack, NY only
"Ruby and Grogu aren't props or comfort items. They are trained, purposeful members of the therapeutic team."
How they help
What changes when an animal is in the room
A calmer starting point
The steady, non-judgmental presence of an animal can help your body settle. When anxiety comes down a notch, harder conversations have room to happen.
Practice with trust
If trusting people feels risky, an animal offers a relationship with very low stakes. Connection with Ruby or Grogu can be a first step toward connection with others.
An easier way in for kids and teens
Young people who resist sitting and talking often open up with an animal nearby. Attention shifts to the animal, the pressure drops, and conversation follows.
Fear-of-dogs work
Ruby takes part in gradual, supported exposure for clients who are afraid of dogs. Steps are small, planned together, and taken at your pace.
Good to know
Before your first session with them
It is always your choice
Working with an animal is something you opt into. You can say yes, no, or not today, and nothing about your care changes.
Their wellbeing counts too
Ruby and Grogu get breaks, quiet space, and a say in the matter. If one of them needs a rest, they rest.
One animal at a time
Ruby and Grogu never work a session together. Only ever one of them is in the room, so the space stays calm and predictable.
Allergies or fears? Tell us
Grogu does not shed, but Sphynx cats can still set off cat allergies. Let us know about allergies or fears and we will plan around them.
Ready to meet them?
Come see what a session feels like with an animal in the room
Book a consultation and we will talk through animal-assisted counseling and whether working with Ruby or Grogu suits you. Sessions with the animals are based in our Nyack office.