Haileigh Nichols, Owner of Zoey's Friends, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, Certified Animal-Assisted Counseling Team, Certified School Counselor
What is Zoey’s main role during your therapy sessions?
Zoey has several roles during sessions. We work with clients ranging from age 5 through adulthood. In a clinical sense, Zoey partners with me to help clients reach their therapeutic goals. She enhances the therapeutic relationship and creates moments of comfort, curiosity, connection, and growth, especially for children and teens who may struggle to open up in more traditional settings.
In session, Zoey offers a calm presence during moments of emotional overwhelm, joins clients in grounding and mindfulness exercises, participates in play and therapeutic activities, and supports specific counseling interventions. Sometimes she helps clients regulate big emotions, and other times she simply reminds them that they are not alone.
If Zoey could talk, what do you think she would say about her "job" as a therapy dog?
If Zoey could talk, she would say, “I love my job!” Every day, she practically leaps for joy when it is time to ride with me to the office. She would probably also tell everyone that snacks are an important part of healing and that belly rubs should be considered a therapeutic intervention.
What do people seem to need most when they spend time with Zoey, and how does she seem to know exactly what to do?
More than anything, people need a space where they do not feel judged, pressured, or expected to be anything other than themselves. Animals have a remarkable ability to provide that. They are not concerned with what happened yesterday, what grade you made on a test, or whether you have the right words to express how you feel. They simply meet you where you are, in the here and now.
What's the most memorable reaction you've seen from someone meeting Zoey for the first time?
What has always been especially powerful to me is seeing children who struggle with emotional regulation become remarkably gentle and intentional with Zoey. Children who may have been described as impulsive, reactive, or frequently dysregulated often slow down, lower their voices, and show tremendous care for Zoey's comfort and well-being. It serves as a reminder that these strengths are already within them, and sometimes Zoey helps bring them to the surface. zoeysfriends.com
Lynn Morris
Executive Director, Faithful Paws Pet Therapy
Tell me about Faithful Paws - what is its mission?
Faithful Paws Pet Therapy is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing unconditional love to people through the healing power of pets. Since 1997, our certified therapy pet teams have been visiting hospitals, schools, senior living communities, libraries, rehabilitation facilities, and many other organizations throughout the Greater Houston area. Our mission is to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to people facing illness, stress, loneliness, or difficult life circumstances. Last year alone, our volunteers provided more than 15,000 visits.
If the Faithful Paws pet volunteers could talk, what do you think they would say about their "job" as therapy animals?
I think they would say, "I get to make people smile all day—and I get lots of pets while doing it!"
Therapy animals don't care about someone's age, diagnosis, or circumstances. They simply show up with unconditional acceptance and love. They seem to know exactly when someone needs a playful distraction, a comforting cuddle, or simply a quiet presence.
What do you wish more people knew about the volunteers and pets who make up Faithful Paws?
I wish people knew how much dedication it takes to become a therapy pet team. These aren't just friendly pets who happen to visit facilities. Our volunteers invest significant time in training, testing, and learning how to safely and compassionately interact with people of all ages and abilities. Our teams must meet rigorous standards and are carefully prepared for the unique environments they serve.
I also wish people knew that our volunteers receive just as much as they give. They witness incredible moments of human connection: a patient smiling for the first time in days, a child reading confidently to a dog, or a senior reminiscing about beloved pets from long ago. Those moments stay with our volunteers forever.
What surprises people most about therapy dogs and the impact they can have on someone's day?
People are often amazed at how quickly a therapy dog can transform a room's atmosphere. We've seen anxious children relax enough to read aloud, stressed healthcare workers pause to smile during difficult shifts, and patients who were withdrawn suddenly begin talking and engaging with others. faithfulpawshouston.org
Goat Yoga, LTD Farms
Goat yoga has become a wellness favorite for good reason. Combining gentle movement, fresh air, and animal interaction, the experience can help reduce stress, boost mood, and make exercise feel more approachable. The goats’ presence often encourages laughter and mindfulness, creating a fun atmosphere for a great workout.
LTD Farms offers goat yoga classes, and this summer, they have partnered with The Woodlands Resort to bring back one of its most popular wellness experiences. Founded by Paul and Kara and their four children after relocating to Anderson in 2023, LTD Farms was created from a shared passion for animals, the outdoors, and active living. Kara, a retired certified Pilates instructor, has been teaching goat yoga for more than five years. On Saturday, August 1, participants can enjoy a guided outdoor yoga session surrounded by friendly goats, followed by dedicated time to interact with the animals. The experience is open to resort guests and the public. ltdfarms.com
Puppies & Yoga Houston
If traditional yoga feels a little too serious, puppy yoga might be the wellness trend worth trying. Located in River Oaks, Puppies & Yoga combines a beginner-friendly yoga session with plenty of tail wags, puppy kisses, and cuddle breaks. The 75-minute experience includes 45 minutes of guided yoga, followed by 30 minutes of playing with and snuggling adorable puppies. The pups, typically between 8 and 12 weeks old, roam freely throughout the class, often turning a simple stretch into a fun or cuddly moment. Beyond the cuteness factor, puppy yoga offers real benefits, helping participants reduce stress, boost their mood, and stay present in the moment. The playful energy of the puppies makes it easy to forget daily worries while encouraging movement in a relaxed, pressure-free setting. puppies-yoga.com