Therapy Dog Talk - Kentucky + Derby — Puttin smiles on faces with Kentucky and Derby

Kentucky and Derby are puttin smiles on faces while at surf competitions and volunteering in schools.

In this 102nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Kentucky Gallahue and his Goldendoodle, Derby California. They’ve not only made a splash surfing together at surf dog competitions with their matching blue mohawks but have also warmed hearts as a Therapy Dog team through Love on a Leash, always living by their motto: “Puttin smiles on faces” wherever they go.

Kentucky dives into Derby’s journey from being a standout surf dog to a cherished Therapy Dog. Derby’s story is a shining example that our furry friends can achieve remarkable things when we tap into what they love doing. It’s all about giving them the right opportunities to shine and help others.

Their adventure reached a whole new audience when they appeared on “The Pack” on Prime, showcasing their bond and teamwork on an international stage. This experience underlined their adventurous spirit and commitment to spreading joy.

The heart of Kentucky and Derby’s story is their incredible bond. This episode highlights the importance of a deep, understanding relationship between a therapy dog and their owner. Their connection not only enriches their therapy work but also strengthens their commitment to their slogan, “putting smiles on faces.”

Kentucky and Derby’s love for adventure, from competing in dog surfing competitions to appearing on “The Pack,” emphasizes that adventures can be therapeutic and joyous for everyone involved. It’s about living life to the fullest and sharing those joyful moments with others.

In this episode, we discuss …

How Kentucky and Derby balance surfing competitions and therapy work.
What it was like to compete on “The Pack” on Prime and why they love adventures.
Why it’s important to foster a deep connection with your dog.

Kentucky and Derby’s story is a powerful reminder of the joy in pursuing what you love and sharing that happiness with the world. Their adventures teach us about the special bond between dogs and their humans and inspire us to spread joy in our own lives. Tune in to hear more about their inspiring journey and how they’re putting smiles on faces everywhere they go.

Key moments you won’t want to miss:

Note that the timecodes match the video, not the podcast.

[00:01:19] Kentucky’s Path with Derby: Kentucky shares his and Derby’s foray into the world of therapy dogs and surfing competitions, detailing how they’ve made their mark on both fields.
[00:02:18] Derby’s Stardom on ‘The Pack’: Kentucky recounts their thrilling experience on ‘The Pack’ on Prime, highlighting the global adventure and challenges they faced together.
[00:03:50] Starting Therapy Work Post-Show: Kentucky talks about Derby’s entry into therapy dog volunteering, following their appearance on ‘The Pack,’ and how it has enriched their lives.
[00:04:32] Derby’s Natural Therapy Dog Traits: Kentucky discusses Derby’s inherent qualities that made additional training for therapy work almost unnecessary.
[00:05:04] Volunteering Amidst the Pandemic: Kentucky tells about the places they enjoy volunteering, with a particular focus on their impactful work with refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[00:07:18] Derby’s Comforting Presence: A touching moment where Derby instinctively comforts a tearful girl at the refugee center, showcasing the silent, powerful bond between therapy dogs and people.
[00:07:44] Promoting Literacy and Joy: Kentucky shares their upcoming travel plans to promote their children’s book, aiming to spread joy and smiles across the country.
[00:10:38] The Story Behind Names and Mohawks: Kentucky reveals the origin of his and Derby’s names, and how Derby’s distinctive blue mohawk came to be.
[00:15:36] Noticing Derby’s Surfing Retirement Signs: Kentucky observes signs of Derby’s aging, thoughtfully considering the future of their surfing activities.
[00:18:33] Advice for Future Therapy Dog Teams: Kentucky offers essential advice for anyone interested in starting therapy dog work, highlighting the need for understanding and bonding with their pet.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!

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#102: Puttin smiles on faces with Kentucky and Derby