Silly Saturday: Animal Assisted Counseling
Therapy dog confessions are in! It’s Silly Saturday at Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana, and today, we’re cracking open the (imaginary) journal of Sadie, our goofy, lovable Saint Bernard therapy dog.
Therapy can be serious—but healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. Sometimes, it includes belly rubs, sideways tail wags, and hilarious moments you’ll never forget. So grab a snack (Sadie suggests peanut butter biscuits) and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at what really goes through your therapy dog’s mind.
9:00 AM – Arrival & Snoop Patrol
“Checked every hallway twice. Sniffed for muffins. Found zero muffins. Extremely suspicious start to the day.”
Sadie begins every workday with a full perimeter check—just in case someone left behind a breakfast crumb or a forgotten squeaky toy.
10:30 AM – First Session of the Day
“Client seemed sad. Initiated Operation Big Eyes™. Nudged elbow. Leaned in. Mission successful. Human smiled.”
This is Sadie’s superpower: comforting people without a single word. Whether it’s a child facing anxiety or a teen struggling with stress, Sadie knows just how to say, “I’m here with you.”
1:00 PM – Lunch Break (Sort Of)
“They said no human food. I said… I will lie here and make you question everything.”
Therapy dogs are masters of subtle manipulation—especially when it comes to sandwiches. 😄
3:15 PM – Teen Talk Time
“Teen was quiet at first. Then talked to me. I listened, like a pro. They opened up. We’re a team now.”
Sometimes, talking to a dog feels safer than talking to a person. That’s what makes Sadie such a vital bridge between anxious teens and their healing process. Her soft eyes and steady presence create the space many kids need to finally open up.
Want to learn more about how therapy animals support teens? Check out this helpful Psychology Today article.
5:00 PM – The Flop
“Therapy complete. Emotional support: delivered. Treats: earned. Now I nap… with dramatic sigh.”
There’s no better reward for a day of emotional labor than a glorious, full-body flop. Sadie sleeps with the satisfaction of knowing she’s made a difference—one cuddle at a time.
🐶 Why Silly Matters in Healing
At AACI, we know therapy isn’t always easy. But laughter and lightness are healing, too. Silly Saturday is our way of celebrating the everyday joy that animals like Sadie bring to mental health work.
✨ Want to Meet Our Therapy Dogs?
Whether you’re a nervous teen, a child coping with big emotions, or an adult who just needs to feel safe again—Our therapy dogs are here to help you take that first gentle step toward healing.
👉 Contact us today to learn more about sessions with our therapy team (Sadie included).
