Meet The Dogs

Jake is a border collie/lab mix. He’s a “cuddler extraordinaire".  His favorite activity is visiting with family and friends (old and new - 2  and 4 legged).  He likes hiking, kayaking and camping.

Full name: Ruger Blu DeGrand

Birthday: May 25, 2020

Favorite Food: Venison and Cheese

Favorite Toy: Any kind of ball

Visits: Henry Ford Hospital

Favorite Toy: Anything that squeaks 

Favorite Food: Ice cream

Visit Specialty: Hospice Care

Years of Service: 9 1/2 years

Favorite Foods: Banana, Dried Cranberries, Pineapple, and Carrots

Favorite Toys: Treat Ball and Puzzles

Visitation Concentration: We have enjoyed Retirement Communities, Public Events, and Hospitals

Izzy is a beagle/king cavalier mix and is 2 1/2 yrs old.  She loves her pink elephant and playing fetch with her tennis balls. She has traveled to/through 24 of 50 states in the US and loves walking on beaches, trails and riverwalks. We visit memory care and veterans facilities. 

Trixi was born on 12/4/16. She was originally trained to be a Leader Dog for the blind, but did not meet all the qualifications. I adopted her on 4/13/18. I quickly noticed how sweet and well behaved she was. In December 2021 she completed her Therapy Dog certification. Trixi’s favorite treats are peanut butter and pop popcorn. Trixi enjoys volunteering at assisted living facilities, schools and libraries.

Favorite Food: All of it!!

Favorite Toy: Balls!

Visit Specialty: Children

Years of Service: 1

Loves shaking paws and giving kisses

AKC Trick Dog: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced

AKC Good Citizen 

AKC Therapy Novice

Lucky loves to visit Grosse Pointe Beaumont Hospital 

Lucky also loves visiting schools and assisted living facilities. 

My name is Chianti and I am a Goldendoodle!!! 
My favorite toy is a blue soft ball with peanut butter inside! I love being a therapy dog and enjoy going to schools to visit kids. When the kids see me they get very excited and like to call me nuggets!! My human buys me big dog beds, but I rather sleep on the couch! 
I'm very young and playful and I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Favorite food: Ice cream 
Favorite toy: Shoes
Favorite activities: Play dates with her friends, splashing in the water, and going on trail walks
Fun fact: Arya was originally raised for Leader Dogs for the Blind
Instagram: @aryasharkmi 

Hello, I'm Emmy, the Great Dane.  I may be big, but I'm as gentle as can be.  I love kids and giving big dog kisses!  I go to school each day with my Mom and help her with her students.  I enjoy listening to my friends read to me, especially when the stories are about dogs!!  I love treats, hugs, and squeaky toys are my favorite!  I can't wait to meet you!

Annie is an Icelandic Sheepdog. They are sometimes called "Icies" but there is nothing cold about this loveable dog.

Ruby is a purebred "Keeper". This little gem loves to cuddle and is always up for belly rubs.

I was born in Florida. When I was 4 years old, I came to Michigan to live with my awesome forever family. I love to be petted, really loved to be petted almost to the point that it is annoying. My family decided I need to be a therapy dog so others can help pet me. I specialize in the elderly population. Those older folks just light up when they see me. I am not a fan of toys. I just don’t understand the fascination with a squeaky toy but give me a squirrel to chase or a car ride and I am a happy dog. I also love to lay in the sunshine. You can find me on a 90 degree day laying on the hot driveway cement soaking it in (remember I am a Florida native).

Iron's love of the Frisbee is right up there with steak! If you have his Frisbee, he will run, jump, flip, twirl, freeze and take a bow every time.

Iron's boy named him after his favorite superhero Ironman. Iron wakes his boy up every morning with kisses, and then he takes his blankets and howls to the sweet tune of "I love you too." The two of them are like cheese and bacon.

Sutton is a 2 year old Mini Bernadoodle. He gained the title of "circus dog" in class for is overly friendly puppy personality. He loves to travel and has been to Nashville, South Carolina, Ohio, MI and Pennsylvania. He loves toys that make noise and stuffed animals. He is now certified with his amateur trick dog certification and mainly uses his therapy dog certification for mental health and senior center visits. He loves his treats and naps and  has been a great addition to our family!

Stella is a 3 year old golden retriever that enjoys volunteering at her local hospital. She specializes in bringing the hospital staff smiles, although she does visit patient rooms from time to time. When she’s not working hard as a Therapy Dog, you can find her wrestling her dog brother (2 year old golden retriever) or retrieving a tennis ball. Her favorite hobby is swimming. She is the sweetest girl and often gives human-like facial expressions when spoken to. Truly a one of a kind good girl. 

Winter is a Coton de Tulear, originally a dog of royalty from Madagascar. We celebrated his 3rd birthday on October 23rd. He loves playing with toys and visiting seniors. He is a gentle, cuddly, cotton ball who’s purpose in life is bringing smiles to all who spend time with him.

Winnie is a golden retriever with lots of energy and lots of love to give. She enjoys making new friends and meeting new people (especially when they pet her!). Her favorite treat is peanut butter on a lick mat or a frozen carrot. Don’t let her size fool you – she thinks she’s a lap dog and will make herself comfortable on your lap. Winnie likes going to the dog park early in the morning with dad to run around and play fetch with her ball (sometimes if she can’t find her ball, she’ll find a nice stick for you). She loves going to the beach to chase the waves and swim around with mom. When the clock strikes 10 pm, it’s bedtime and she's ready for snuggles in bed with mom.

Gender: Female

Birthday: April 27, 2021

Breed: Golden Retriever

Favorite TV Show: Dug Days

Favorite Snacks: Bananas, Peanut Butter, and Cheese

Best Friend: Purple Ball

Hobbies include walking with daddy, playing outside with mommy, and daytime naps.

Keaton spends most Sunday mornings with her friends at Autumn Woods Health Care Facility. She loves kids, people, and other dogs – in that order.

Groot is a Mastiff/Great Dane mix
Favorite Food: Anything Mom and Dad has
Favorite Toy: Piggy
Favorite Activity: Naps
Visits: Assisted Living and starting to visit libraries

Colt is a purebred, working line German Shepherd.

Colt loves to work and has his IPO1, ZVV1 titles in Schutzhund, also his CGC, and

has his AKC Advanced Therapy Dog title.

​Birth place -  born in the Czech Republic

Favorite Food – All meat, but especially Filet Mignon (His Birthday dinner of choice)

Least Favorite Food – Celery

Favorite Toy – Anything that can be thrown and super chewer toys

Colt is a very sweet, loving boy that thrives on being loved and on loving others.

Meet Romulus, the four-legged furry therapist who's always ready to brighten your day with his squishable body! Every morning, Rom likes to show off big branches he finds on his walks to the birds singing in the trees outside. But don't be fooled by his playful nature - when it comes to work, Romulus means business - he loves to sit and get pets from all the wonderful people he meets, and he gives the sloppiest kisses in return. When he's not working, you can find him getting zoomies in the soccer field near his home and kicking around his soccer ball because soccer is his favorite sport.  Whether you're feeling blue or just need a pick-me-up, Romulus is the therapy dog you need in your life!

Hello - my name is Ocho! I work in a high school supporting students who need extra love when they're having a tough day. I also volunteer at Ascension Moross hospital and bring smiles to patients who are in need of an extra snuggle to get them through the day. When I'm not working I like to play fetch, take long naps and bark at the mailman to annoy my parents!

Birthday: April 20th, 2020

Favorite Toy: Tennis ball

Favorite Food: Peanut butter and string cheese 

Favorite Trick: Spin 

Favorite Place to Visit: Schools or anywhere with kids! 

Charlee is a Golden Retriever who is 4 1/2 years old. She loves visiting and meeting new people, running and playing. She is an amazing ball player and can out run her brother while chasing a ball. She loves all foods. (absolutely not picky) and soft toys are her favorite!

Hi friends! My name is Goldie the goldendoodle! I love being social and snuggling with anyone and everyone, which is why being a therapy dog is the best! When I am not spreading love and joy to others, I am relaxing at home with my pack. I never met a treat that I didn't like. Fun fact, I have more collars than my parents have shoes. Can't wait to meet you! 

Breed: Golden Retriever 
Birthday: July 15, 2022
Titles: AKC STAR Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, AKC Trick Dog: Novice.
Favorite Toys: Balls, peppermint, and plush toys. 
Favorite Treat: Chicken Nuggets. 
Saban loves to play outside rain or shine! He loves to dig and play with his ball or peppermint toy. Saban plays in a disc league and has the time of his life. Saban loves being around people and going out on adventures. Follow Saban on instagram: saban_thegolden

Max was born on March 15, 2020 in Metamora, MI.  He is 1 of 9 siblings and weighs 92lbs with huge paws!  Max is a very kind, gentle loving dog who loves to run and go for hikes.  Max's favorite toy is a squeaky tennis ball and  loves to play fetch!  His favorite food is peanut butter and ice cream.  Max enjoys  ALL people but loves to visit and spend time  with children!  

Cooper is a 6 year old half golden Labrador and half golden retriever. He lives in Rochester and once you meet him you will know I think he is the best dog I have ever met. He loves to swim every day and to catch frisbees. 

Hi….my name is Olive ……yes,  as in black olives.  My close friends call me Ollie.

I began my life as 1 of 9 pups in my litter, headed for a career as a Leader Dog for the Blind.  However, after a year of training, everyone that saw my “wide hips” and wiggly butt thought I’d be best suited to become a Leader Dog Mom.  I was bred three times and delivered 21 pups for the Leader Dog program.  Many of those pups have become Leader Dogs and are working today with blind clients.   A couple of my daughters became Leader Dog Breeder Moms like me. 

However, after 3 liters, I was retired as a breeding Mom and ready to relax to belly rubs, long walks and a life of leisure.  But my Mom and Dad retired after their long career and figured that someone in the family needed to be working, so they signed me up to join Pawsitive  Changes Therapy Dogs.  I’m so proud to have qualified to be a therapy dogs and looking forward to helping others, like many of my pups are doing today for blind people.    

Jagger is a Bernese Mountain Dog and is 7 years old.  He loves to take walks in all kinds of weather and around the house he never lets his family out of his sight. He completed the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program, and is now an AKC Canine Good Citizen.  Jagger is 100-pounds of cuddle and love.

Estelle came to her forever home when she was 3.  She really blossomed after having a litter of puppies and one was able to stay with her. She loves playing with him and looks out for him. Her favorite toy is her treat ball. She loves all treats except carrots. Estelle is a natural therapy dog and she can’t wait to experience all types of therapy visits!

Maisie is a one year old golden retriever that was rescued when she was just a puppy. Maisie is young and loves to have fun. Her favorite toys are any type of ball and any stuffed toy (but she only gets those for special occasions because she destroys them in record time). She also loves to carry around and play tug with her blanket. Her favorite special treat is McDonald’s chicken nuggets. She loves to get pets, scratches, and belly rubs. She loves to spend time with her mom and dad at their schools hanging out with students of all ages. She thinks kids are so fun. 

Breed: French Brittany Spaniel 

Favorite Hobby: Hunting birds, frogs, and mice 

Favorite Toy: Her Ducky and Piggy

Favorite Food: EVERYTHING! 

Favorite Tricks: Smiling and giving high fives 

Visits: Children and Assisted Living Facilities

Kobe is a black Tri Australian Shepherd and was born on July 3rd, 2020 in Houston, Texas! He lived in Colorado for over 2 years and has lived in Michigan since June 2023! Kobe LOVES road trips and has had many cross country travels. Some of his favorites are tennis balls, greek yogurt, any dog treats from Trader Joe’s, and his humans. He is 50 pounds of pure fluff!

Instagram: kobetherapy 

George was born October 9, 2018.  He brings so much joy to his family Noushy (Nick), Aza, Michael, Nina, Aidan, and Charles.  Our family wanted to share George’s love with others,  and we are so excited he will be a therapy dog! 

Cocoa is a 6 year old Labradoodle/Goldendoodle.  She loves to swim, run and play, and will often drop a ball in the lap of anyone who comes to visit.  Cocoa loves going in the car to visit people and loves cuddles and pets. She is looking forward to meeting everyone!

Timbo graduated Dec 7, 2023 Certified Therapy dog. He is a 3yr old Michigan mutt. He was a foster dog Jan 2021 and my husband and I adopted Timbo March 2021. He was sick for the first 2 yrs of his life and finally needed his bad leg amputated in December 2022 after a long battle with a leg infection. He has spent the last 8 months going to Camp Oakland in Oxford, Michigan seeing the kids. Enjoys visiting his kids. Loving his life.

Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Birthday: 08.20.2019
Rachel is the only tri-color corgi born to a lineage of solid red corgis (going back 16 generations). She may be a herding dog, but the only thing she'll be herding these days is all the scritches, pets and snuggles she can get! Rachel adores hiking, long car rides, pupcups, and giving high-fives to anyone who will take one!

Ella FurzGerald is my name, Loving others is my Game.

I was born January 29, 2021 on a crowded horse farm. My Mommy adopted me and brought me to the City where as an ‘only child’, I enjoy long talks and Appetizers before dinner time.

In the morning, I am up and out by 8:00am to go for a walk and watch for the school bus driver who calls me by name and stops to give me a treat. The children on the bus all wave to me. I am also known by the UPS Driver who leaves me a biscuit with every delivery for Mom.

Life is good in the City.  I am excited to meet more people on my journey as a Therapy Dog and make each one of them my New Best Friend.

Waggs is a golden retriever born on May 21, 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky. His favorite thing to do is run and play fetch & retrieve with his tennis ball. He also loves to go on walks through the woods, run through the snow, and hang his head out of the window during car rides. Waggs earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), and AKC Community Canine (CGCA) Certifications. He also received his AKC Novice Trick Dog (TDN) Title. 

He has such a loving personality and is so sweet and affectionate, as if he was born to spread happiness and joy to anyone he meets. He absolutely loves being pet and hugged.

Hey y’all. I’m Dolly, aka Dolly Pawton. I was born in Kentucky on 4/22/22 and came to Michigan to find my FUREVER family when I was 7 weeks old. I’m new to being a therapy dog, but I absolutely love meeting new people and making them smile!!  My pawrents thought I would make a great therapy dog because I’m a sweet, southern Belle. When I’m not visiting people, I love playing with my fur brother and fur sister. I love going for walks and meeting new friends along the way. I’m a big fan of napping and playing catch too!  I hope to meet you soon!

Gus is a 4 year old Australian Labradoodle. He is named after Augustus McCrae from Lonesome Dove. He is a non apologetic sock thief and bed chewer. He loves to go for walks and play fetch. He especially loves to cuddle in the evening. He is looking forward to working as a Therapy Dog.