Meet Kaia: Kalamazoo’s Therapy Dog in Training
Kaia (pronounced “Kye-a”) came to us the way many great stories begin — found on the street, with an unknown past but an unmistakable spirit. We don’t know her breed or what she experienced before she was rescued but what became clear immediately was that she is a loving, intelligent, attentive, and deeply gentle dog who delights in the company of both people and other animals.
Today, Kaia lives with therapist Ashley Carter Youngblood in her forever home and she is actively working toward her official therapy dog status.
Because Kaia is under a year old, she cannot yet be formally registered as a therapy dog. But even in training, her calm, curious, and affectionate presence already offers something meaningful to clients who choose to include her in their sessions. Since she is being introduced slowly and thoughtfully, she is not on-site every day. But, she can be requested for your appointment. As always, participation is completely voluntary for both clients and Kaia.
The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Interventions
Research consistently shows that interacting with a therapy animal during counseling sessions can have a powerful impact on mental and emotional wellbeing. Some of the documented benefits of animal-assisted interventions include:
- Reduced cortisol levels – even a brief interaction with a dog has been shown to lower the body’s primary stress hormone
- Lowered anxiety and heart rate – petting a calm dog activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body shift out of fight-or-flight
- Increased oxytocin – the “bonding hormone” is released during human-animal interaction, which can help clients feel safer and more connected
- Greater emotional openness – many clients find it easier to process difficult feelings when a non-judgmental, warm presence of an dog is in the room
- Reduced session anxiety – for clients who feel nervous about therapy itself, Kaia can ease the transition into the therapeutic space, making it a fun social engagement (Who doesn’t want “puppy time”?!)
These benefits make animal-assisted interventions a particularly good fit for clients working through anxiety or trauma or for those who are Highly Sensitive People (who tend to be drawn to animals).
What a Session with Kaia Looks Like
A session that includes Kaia is still your therapy session. Kaia doesn’t run the show. She simply adds to it. Depending on the day and her energy level, she might settle quietly near you, accept some petting, or simply be a grounding presence in the room. Her role is to offer comfort; not to perform.
And, you can choose to interact with her or not. It’s your call. Sometimes people want to sit on the floor with her and talk. Sometimes people request that she be put in the soft crate in my office so that she and/or them can have their own space.
If you’re someone who:
- Feels calmer around animals
- Struggles with anxiety or trauma
- Identifies as a Highly Sensitive Person or empath
- Simply loves dogs and thinks her presence would help you open up
…then requesting Kaia for your session might be worth trying.
Fun Fact
Kaia’s two different colored eyes is a genetic condition called “heterochromia”. It’s just one of the things that makes her unforgettable.
Other Team Members
Ashley Carter Youngblood
Ashley's focus is on "empowering women to discover their voice and heal their relationships." She specializes in a holistic approach to counseling worrying women & Highly Sensitive People/Empaths and has a special interest in the connection between nutrition and mental health.
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Therapy Dog
Kaia is therapy dog in training who is learning the ropes and already loves her job!
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