Ride Along with Rocket: A Day in the Life of a Classroom Therapy Dog

As a dedicated First Responder Therapy Dog (FRTD), Rocket continues to bring joy, comfort, and connection to those around him. It has been a busy and fulfilling month, and with his 8th birthday coming up on Saturday March 15th, there’s no better time to celebrate his impact and the fun he has along the way!

Fundraising Fun & A Heartwarming Reunion

On February 8th, Rocket participated in a FRTD Kissing Booth & Bake Sale fundraiser. It was a wonderful event filled with support from the community.

A highlight of the day was Rocket’s sweet reunion with his Guide Dog for the Blind puppy raiser. After more than a year apart, they shared a heartfelt moment. They have stayed in touch for over six years, and we are so thankful that she gave Rocket such a loving start in life.

Special Visits & Unforgettable Moments

This month, Rocket continued his regular visits to a special education classroom at the high school, where he serves as a beloved classroom therapy dog. His presence provides comfort and emotional support to students, reinforcing the benefits of having a therapy dog in the classroom.

He was invited to visit a local preschool class of about twenty 3-4-year-olds. The visit was filled with excitement as Rocket’s mom talked to the kids about therapy dogs, read stories, handed out trading cards, and answered their adorable questions. One of the best questions? “Why are his ears so soft?” ❤️

The visit was such a hit that the next day, a parent reached out to Rocket and his mom to say her daughter couldn’t stop talking about Rocket! Inspired by this success, he has another visit scheduled on March 13th at a Montessori preschool.

Work & Play: Balance is Key for a Working Therapy Dog

While Rocket takes his therapy work seriously, it’s important to highlight that he enjoys plenty of play, enrichment, and relaxation too! Over the past several months, he has participated in Agility and Scent Work classes at Marin Humane, which he absolutely loves.

Rocket also enjoys social time with his dog friends—especially beach dates with his Lab buddies in the Bay Area.

Happy 8th Birthday, Rocket!

As March 15th approaches, we’re excited to celebrate Rocket’s 8th birthday. He continues to bring light and love wherever he goes, and we’re grateful for every moment with him.

Here’s to Rocket and all the joy he spreads—both in his work and in his everyday adventures. Happy Birthday, Rocket!

Introducing 3 Bears Dog Food to Rocket - Tips for introducing new food

Did you know that service and therapy dogs are prohibited from eating raw diets? Since they frequently visit hospitals, schools, and other public spaces, food safety is a crucial consideration, and raw diets can pose risks due to bacterial contamination. Grandma Lucy's all-natural, freeze-dried dog food is an excellent choice for service and therapy dogs like Rocket, as it provides all the nutritional benefits of a raw diet without the associated health risks. 3 Bears dog food offers a safe alternative by being gently cooked and freeze-dried, preserving the natural, whole superfoods and high-quality proteins essential for maintaining the energy, joint health, and cognitive function of hardworking dogs like Rocket.

Rocket has been enjoying his 3 Bears dog food on a lick mat and he loves it! He is in the process of transitioning from kibble to Grandma Lucy’s recipes, which has been easy so far as he loves it so much. To learn more about how to transition from kibble to freeze-dried food, read Tips to transition your pet to a freeze-dried diet, and the suggested transition schedule below. We know your dog will thrive once they are fully transitioned to our whole food recipes!