Sophie and Handler Cindy

Regional Area: North Central

Breed: Golden Retriever

Sweet and sociable Sophie brings smiles to the faces of everyone she and her mom Cindy visit – whether it’s at a library, a hospital or a rehabilitation facility. In the hospital, for example, the rehab room always has a group of people doing their workouts, and the nurses and aides are always so happy to see this dedicated duo. The ICU family lounge is another stop the team makes, providing the families there some much needed and greatly appreciated relief from the difficult situations they’re facing.

For Cindy, one of their most memorable moments occurred at the hospital. A nurse was walking down the hall, and when she saw Sophie, she got down on her knees and hugged her. They had lost a patient earlier in the day, and she was more than grateful for this compassionate team’s timely visit.

When Sophie’s not participating in therapy visits, she’s putting smiles on her family’s faces with her amusing antics. Famous for her happy “high fives” and for putting her paw on her parents’ hands, she also sniffs out her treats in their hands, and picks out her toys by name. As for quirky? She likes flopping down on the road and scratching her back, not to mention chasing lizards and trying to play with them once she catches them.

Next on this team’s ambitious agenda: Training to qualify for Hospice visits.

Training/Certifications:
Basic Manners
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Hearts of Gold Therapy Team

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