Alright, here’s the deal. I heard there was an article written about me by some reporter named Abigail Katharin. Here’s my first issue: she introduced herself to my mom, Julie Branch, and me as Abby. Seems fishy to me.
Oh, by the way, this is Beau the Bernese Mountain therapy dog in-training! (I’m 2, almost!) I actually really liked the article (here it is if you want to read it). Plus, that photographer guy got my good side. This brings me to my second issue though, which is that there were five other dogs at the event and Katharin only wrote about me. I understand that I was the most handsomest dog there, but still, Katharin should have given the others some love. So here I am, writing this article, taking matters into my own hands … er … paws. Now enough of me, you should meet some of the other dogs at the Pause for Paws event! I let them each write a little bit — but don’t forget, this is MY article.
(Oh, by the way, none of the rest of the dogs had time to pose for pictures, so you’ll have to be content with me — again, the most handsomest dog there.)
Bergen | 10-year-old Beagle
Here’s the deal, I don’t like dogs. “Oh, you don’t like dogs?” You ask, horrified. Yeah, I’m a dog. I am a dog who doesn’t like other dogs. Listen, it suits me, okay? I’ve been doing this job for seven years. I’m in and out of hospitals and schools and nursing homes and libraries. You know what I haven’t done in those seven years? Given therapy to another dog. Why? THEY DON’T NEED IT.
You know who does need it? You. Yes, you. The one reading this right now. It’s alright. No need to be ashamed. I’m a people dog. It’s why I got into this career in the first place. You’re stressed? Come right on up. You’re anxious? Might as well give me a belly rub.
So yeah, I’m a therapy dog but I’m not a dog’s dog you know? I’m a dog of the people.
Sully | 1 and-a-half-year-old English Lab
Um. I come in. I get pets and pats and belly rubs. I get treats. I leave. It’s a good time.
Rusty | 15-month-old Goldendoodle
Guys, what is UP. I am so excited to do this thing. I love people. I. LOVE. PEOPLE. Sorry if my tail hits you, I’m just SO EXCITED. Mom says I’m not a fully certified therapy dog yet, but I’ll be there soon. The only difficult bit is that to pass my test I can’t jump on people. That’s a big problem for me cause I can’t figure out any other way to say hi to people. What am I supposed to do? Sit?
I GOT A GUY COMING OVER HERE. I’m definitely gonna jump on him.
Mikee | 3-ish-year-old Pug
Sorry if I snort a little bit, this cute face makes it hard for me to breathe. Worth it, though. Do you see all these ladies? I am a hit with the 20-year-old homesick females.
What? My leash? Yeah, it’s my main accessory. Mom says I have to have it because “you can’t go running around the library, Mikee.” I think she’s just jealous that I’m faster than her. This one time I went streaking through the neighborhood. It was awesome.
Arrow | 5-year-old Australian Shepherd
I might be small, but I AM MIGHTY.
Sorry, I’m a little nervous. It’s my first time doing one of these things. You caught me practicing my affirmations. I am mighty. I am tough. I am dog. Those are just a few I use every morning. I have a little mirror right next to my dog bowl and every morning before breakfast I look myself in the eyes and say, “Arrow, you are descended from the mighty wolf.” Then, I go and snuggle with my mom.
This therapy dog deal is just like snuggling with mom except now I get to snuggle with everybody! I’m a big fan of this. I’ll have to get my mom to bring me back sometime.
Beau Again | Still a Bernese Mountain Therapy Dog (in training)
Guess what, guys? I’m back! Me. Beau. The most handsomest therapy dog. I do think this here is a good piece of investigative journalism. Forget being a therapy dog, I’ve got a new career. I think I might move … SQURRIEL. Sorry about that, I get distracted sometimes. Anyway, I gotta go — I have treats waiting for me.
Beau Branch. Photo by Josiah Dolan.