Happy Dog sitting in a field. Photo by Shaylee Frazee.

Meet Mr. Coco Puff…

A gentle companion in therapy

Coco Puff is an AKC Registered Canine Good Citizen who aspires to one day be a Certified Therapy Dog. His relaxed doggy energy can help some people feel more grounded as they do difficult therapy work. Whether he’s quietly napping or accepting a few gentle pets, Coco Puff participates only when it’s helpful, and only if you’d like him to.

My husband and I adopted Coco Puff from the Davis County Animal Shelter last September. Coco Puff was over a year old when we adopted him, and he was a 42-pound handful at first. After I fell and broke my left wrist while walking him, I started taking him to group classes at Speaking K9 — a local dog training business that saved us all and gave Coco Puff a whole new direction in life. Coco Puff likes to stay busy, and a job he takes very seriously — apart from his main occupation of chasing tennis balls — is his job as a therapy-dog-in-training. Coco Puff continues his ongoing education and is currently repeating an Intermediate Puppy Class. He recently earned his Canine Good Citizen award and we are all very proud of him. Like many of us, Coco Puff didn’t have the perfect beginning in his puppy life. Watching him learn to trust, gain confidence, and grow into the disciplined, calm dog he is today has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Who is Coco Puff?

Coco Puff in a graduation cap after completing his first training.

Coco Puff’s Resume

  • AKC Registered Canine Good Citizen, Nap Specialist, and Overall Good Boy

  • Knows how to sit, sit pretty, heel, down, leave it, settle, “fast forward/rewind,” and a whole bunch of other stuff his person can’t remember right now

  • Reminds others that life can actually be a lot of fun

Meet the Team

Deb and Coco Puff. Photo by Shaylee Frazee.

Coco Puff and I each have different roles during therapy.

My role is to guide the therapeutic process with training, experience, curiosity, and compassion. Together we’ll explore what has kept you stuck and help you move toward lasting change.

Coco Puff’s role is much simpler. He offers steady companionship, a laugh or two, and the occasional reminder that slowing down isn’t the same as standing still.

Coco Puff is never the focus of therapy — but for clients who enjoy having him nearby, his quiet companionship can help create an atmosphere that feels a little safer and a little more grounded.

Why a therapy dog?

Coco Puff is never the focus of therapy, and he opts out of Telehealth sessions. During in-person sessions, Coco Puff just hangs out with us and mostly sleeps. EMDR and IFS can be heavy work, and therapy dogs may help some people regulate their nervous systems, reduce anxiety, and stay engaged during emotionally difficult memories. Coco Puff would be at the office every day if we allowed him, but he also will not take it personally if you would rather meet without him.

So what does Coco Puff actually do?

  • Greets people politely.

  • Models superior napping skills (He can go from 60 to 0 in five seconds)

  • Accepts belly rubs when appropriate.

  • Quietly reminds us that the present is a pretty magical place.

I wanna meet this guy!

Is Coco Puff right for you?

Good Fit if you:

  • Enjoy dogs.

  • Find animals comforting.

  • Would appreciate a calm companion during therapy.

Not a Good Fit if you:

  • Have dog allergies.

  • Feel uncomfortable around dogs.

  • Simply prefer sessions without him.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Sometimes he goes to Doggy Daycare so he can play with other dogs or goes somewhere with his Dog Dad. I can make it a point for him to be there, however, if you specifically request that.

  • Absolutely! Coco Puff lives for pets and you’ll enjoy all that good dog energy. It’s a win-win!

  • Unfortunately, no. Coco Puff has permission to be there from the person from whom I sublease my office at Vibez. Plus, as a little puppy, Coco Puff was traumatized by other dogs and he’s not quite over it yet.

  • We’ll keep Coco Puff out of the office. You have no obligation to have him there. Your safety is my top priority.

  • No. Mostly he just says hi, takes a nap, and wakes up to accept pets when the situation applies.

Healing doesn’t always happen with words alone

  • Sometimes it happens while with silent reflection.

  • Sometimes it happens by noticing safety.

  • Sometimes it happens when a calm dog is resting quietly nearby.

Let's schedule a consultation

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