The Gentle Paw · Animal Partners
Meet the co-facilitators
Ruby and Grogu are certified therapy animals and active members of our clinical team. They don't just sit in the room — they are purposeful participants in the healing process.
Both animals live with their handler in Rockland County, NY and are evaluated, registered, and trained for therapeutic work.
Pet Partners Registered
Boston Terrier · Rescue
Ruby .
"She's been called the lead therapist — and honestly, she earned the title."
Ruby came to us at just one year old through Northeastern Boston Terrier Rescue, and she has been working alongside her handler ever since 2017. What began as a rescue story quickly became a partnership — Ruby took to therapeutic work as though she was born for it.
A registered Pet Partners therapy animal for many years, Ruby has volunteered across nursing homes, summer camps, hospitals, residential facilities, and wellness events at colleges and universities. She is as comfortable in a clinical setting as she is at a community fair.
At the dog park, Ruby skips the other dogs entirely and heads straight for the people. She's a certified cuddle bug — warm, intuitive, and remarkably attuned to what a person needs. She also plays an important role in phobia work, gently helping clients begin to address their fear of dogs at a pace that feels safe.
Office Locations
Therapy Animal
Sphynx Cat · The Unusual One
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 completely unashamed of his unusual appearance, he has a remarkable gift for breaking the ice, especially with children and teens who might otherwise feel guarded in a therapy setting.
One of the most practical perks? No hair means no hair on furniture or clothing — which makes him a surprisingly sensible choice for an office environment. But it's his personality that truly sets him apart. Grogu is affectionate, curious, and genuinely engaging. He does exceptionally well with strangers and seems to actively enjoy meeting new people.
His unusual look often sparks curiosity and conversation, which can be a powerful tool in sessions — creating a natural, low-pressure entry point for connection and self-expression.
Office Locations
How They Help
Each animal brings something different to the room
Co-Regulation & Calm
The steady, non-judgmental presence of an animal helps regulate the nervous system — lowering anxiety and creating the safety needed for deeper therapeutic work.
Trust & Attachment
For clients who struggle with trust or relational connection, animals offer a low-stakes, unconditional relationship that can be profoundly healing.
Engagement for Youth
Children and teens who resist talk therapy often open up naturally in the presence of an animal — conversation flows, defenses drop, and real work happens.
Phobia & Exposure Work
Ruby plays an active, graduated role in fear-of-dogs treatment — helping clients take small, supported steps toward confidence around dogs in a safe environment.
Ready to Meet Them?
Experience what healing looks like
when an animal is in the room
Book a consultation to learn more about Animal-Assisted Counseling and whether working with Ruby or Grogu is the right fit for you.