Meet Zoey
Certified Therapy Dog. Gentle friend. Queen of belly rubs.
This is Zoey!
Zoey is my 8-year-old German Shepherd, Husky, Pit Bull, and Blue Heeler mix—and my trusted co-therapist here at Zoey’s Friends. She’s calm, intuitive, and incredibly good at helping people feel safe and supported just by being nearby.
Zoey is fully trained and certified through the Animal-Assisted Counseling Academy (AACA) at Texas State University. As part of this process, she completed coursework, a supervised practicum, direct evaluation, and field supervision—alongside me! She’s also Canine Good Citizen certified and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Zoey in the Therapy Room
Zoey has a gift for knowing exactly when someone needs comfort—or a little comic relief. She helps kids and teens feel grounded when big emotions are hard to talk about. Sometimes she’s a steady presence in the room, and other times she’s part of the work—like helping with grounding skills or modeling calm behavior.
Whether she’s curled up on her bed or gently offering her paw, Zoey helps clients feel seen, safe, and supported.
Things to Know Before Meeting Zoey
She’s friendly and loves to greet people
You’re welcome to pet her (or not!)—whatever feels comfortable
She may rest quietly during your session or come sit beside you
Some clients like to give her small treats—just ask first!
She will become YOUR FRIEND—elated to greet you and a calming presence throughout your session
Why Zoey’s Role Matters
Zoey isn’t just here to be cute (though she is). She’s part of the therapeutic process. Research shows that animals in the therapy room can reduce anxiety, build trust, and help clients feel more at ease. For many of the kids, teens, and young adults I work with, Zoey helps make therapy feel more accessible—and a little more joyful too.
“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling an emptiness we didn’t ever know we had.”
– Thom Jones
What Zoey Loves (and Doesn’t)
Things She Loves:
Playing fetch with a ball or frisbee
Belly rubs and butt scratches
Going on walks or to the park
Sitting in your lap (she thinks she’s much smaller than she is!)
Oversized stuffed toys
Treats! Especially cheese, rice, peas, and carrots
Being a “baked potato” in the yard on a hot sunny day
Car rides
Trips to the beach
Sunday snuggles
How you know she’s happy:
Open mouth, tongue out, ears forward, relaxed body, wagging tail
Things She’s Not a Fan Of:
Knocks on the door
Pets directly over her head
Touching or grabbing her paws
Bath time
How you know she’s uncomfortable:
Closed mouth, body freezes, fur on back may stand up, backs away, tail down or tucked
How to Greet Zoey
If it’s your first time meeting Zoey, here’s how to help her feel safe and comfortable:
Stand tall like a tree
Fold in your branches (place your arms calmly at your sides)
Watch your roots grow (stay grounded and still)
Let Zoey come to you and sniff—this is how she says hello!
If she does a little spin and offers her bottom to you, that means she’s comfortable and ready for pets