Rosie and Handler Carol

Regional Area: East

Breed: Golden Retriever

Rosie had a tough beginning in life. She is a rescue from a northern breeding farm through Golden Rescue of South Florida (GRSF) and was adopted by Carol at 16 months.  She had never been in a house, on grass and had never played with a toy. She now lives her best life in a house with a cushy bed, great food, and lots of toys (Iamb chop is her favorite as she has 8) and hangs out with her two rescued Westie sisters.

Rosie’s never met a person she didn’t like. She’s all about encouraging young readers at West Melbourne School for Science and Sunrise Elementary. They sit on the blanket with her while giving hugs and belly rubs. Some kids even use her as a pillow!  She also loves going to the Palm Bay Elementary special needs classes where her young friends are always happy to see her and love showing off their new shoes, toys or whatever excites them at the moment.

Rosie likes to visit her friends at Palm Bay Memory Care where some of the residents will stroke her silky ears and talk to her. She will put her head in a friendly lap and listen to their stories. She loves that!

A memorable visit happens almost every time she visits the 3-6 year old special needs classes. One little girl isn’t verbal except when she sees Rosie and lights up saying “dog” as she gives her a hug.  Rosie is especially gentle with her and goes to the little girl as soon as she comes into the classroom.

Rosie gets excited when she sees Carol, her handler, put on the official therapy team shirt and gets out her “work” travel bag.  She can’t wait to get into the car and go to her next “gig” (she knows that word). Carol and Rosie hope to be part of the Hearts of Gold Therapy Team for a long time.

Training/Certifications
Graduate of beginner, intermediate, and advanced obedience classes
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Hearts of Gold Therapy Team

Watch our Hearts of Gold Therapy Teams in action: Hearts of Gold YouTube channel

To learn more about what to consider for joining our Hearts of Gold team, click here!