Therapy Dogs
Therapy Dogs
“Dogtor’s” Hours—Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
(AKA whenever Dr. North is in the office since she is their handler)
Animal-assisted therapy is useful for stressed or anxious kids and parents. Using therapy dogs in the office can provide a sense of calm, comfort, and safety which diverts attention away from a perceived stressful situation toward one that can make them happier.
Meet Lucy
Lucy is a blue Boston Terrier. She joined Dr. North’s family in July 2025. Lucy’s happy demeanor, zest for life, and absolute cuddliness helps to put our patients at ease. She has successfully completed the Intro to Canine Good Manners course with the Richmond SPCA. Now, she is in one-on-one training with Dog Training Elite where she continues to grow and develop the skills needed to be a therapy dog. Once she is over 1 year old, she can complete her Canine Good Citizen test and become certified with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Our goal is to have her in the same role Bear used to fill—greeting patients and parents during your recall and new patient exams and sitting in the dental chair with anxious kids during dental exams and dental restorations such as crowns and fillings when these are completed with Dr. North.
Meet Mia
Mia is a greyhound rescued with James River Greyhounds from a racing facility in Florida. She is the most gentle, kind, and sweet dog who leans in for a hug from anyone including the tiniest patients. She passed her Canine Good Citizen test and was certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs with Dr. North as the handler for their therapy team. As a therapy team, Mia and Dr. North have visited nursing homes, attended events, and comforted hundreds of patients both in our office and in other facilities. She is almost 13 now and does not come into the office as much anymore as aging joints can make it tricky to get into and out of the car. But, when she is here, you will see her at the front desk and near the toy machine standing by for pets and hellos.
Certifications
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