IN LOVING MEMORY of Sandy, beloved therapy dog and the matriarch of Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara. Sandy passed away on August 5, 2020 at the age of 14-1/2. Throughout her wonderful, long life, Sandy enjoyed hiking with her family, swimming in the ocean, and visiting children in schools and libraries and listening to them read to her. She even published her very own children’s book, Animals Have Feelings, Too!
Lily Rose is an 8-year-old Golden Retriever. She has enjoyed flying with her human dad since she was a puppy. She walks right up the stairs of the plane and into the cabin! After takeoff, she likes to help co-pilot up front. When she’s not busy flying planes, Lily Rose loves to watch TV with her family. She snuggles up in her special spot and gets ready to watch a great show. She especially loves the movies Elf and Dances with Wolves, and any shows with animals as the leading characters.
Riley is an 8-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever who is obsessed with tennis balls. Prior to finding his forever home, Riley began training to become a search and rescue dog. It turns out, this wasn’t the best fit for him, so he was adopted into a loving home and now enjoys playing with his canine siblings. Riley is a fun, happy, easy going Lab who adores attention.
Abby is a 4-year-old Pit Bull Terrier and Heeler mix. She was rescued by a shelter after being abandoned near Park City, Utah. Abby‘s human met her at an adoption event, and it was love at first sight! Now Abby is a happy California dog who loves the beach and hiking. When she’s not working as an ARF! therapy dog, you can find her playing fetch and begging for cuddles.
Ellie is a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever who loves to swim in the ocean. Outside of being a therapy dog, Ellie is also a foster ‘sister’ for rescued dogs at a nonprofit Labrador and Golden Retriever rescue. Ellie helps her foster siblings feel safe and welcome in her home so they can learn about the dogs’ personalities and help match them with forever homes.
Molly is a 14-year-old Beagle mix whose favorite pastimes include eating and sleeping (not necessarily in that order). She “speaks” several languages including English, French, Spanish and German. Although now semi-retired, Molly makes semi-annual appearances at Dog Therapy Day at Santa Barbara City College, where she brings joy and smiles to college students during finals week.
Mazda is a 5-year-old Labrador Retriever whose favorite toy is his Jolly ball. Mazda was originally trained as a guide dog, but he had other plans! Mazda was adopted into his forever home one Thanksgiving weekend and he is forever grateful to be able to continue helping people through his many volunteer activities.