Note: I am sad to report that Nova passed away on October 12, 2024. She was a beloved and active therapy dog until her last month.
Nova's history and education
I adopted Nova from Rez Dog Rescue in January 2015. She was picked up as a stray by a kill shelter in New Mexico. Rez Dog Rescue rescued her from that shelter and brought her to Boulder, where my family and I met and fell in love with her.
Nova clearly has her own trauma history. Shortly after her adoption, our vet discovered a bullet lodged in her left rear leg. My family also quickly noticed that she gets very nervous when people move things near her with their feet. We suspect that someone kicked her a lot in her previous life. On the other hand, I think someone cared for her to some extent. Nova knew a few commands (sit, shake, stay) when we met her and she had already been spayed. She has also been pretty trusting and loving since day one.
Nova and I have completed training in Animal Assisted Therapy (specifically Canine Assisted Counseling) and are a registered team with Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado. As part of this program, Nova passed a rigorous test to ensure that she has the skills and temperament necessary to be an effective professional therapy dog.
Things to know about Nova
There are a couple of things that you might want to know before we get started:
What is Nova like? Nova is a thorough rescue mix with a sweet and calm temperament. She loves snuggles, belly rubs, learning new tricks, treats and naps. Nova weighs about 55 lbs., which is too big to sit in your lap, but not so big that she could knock you over (not that she would try).
Is Nova hypoallergenic? I am sorry to say that Nova is not a hypoallergenic dog. If you have significant allergies to dogs, then I am probably not the best therapist for you. But I would be happy to help you to find another therapist that might be a good fit.
Nova is very attached to me. The way we will entice her to pay attention to you, if you’d like, is to give you treats to hand out. Nova is very food motivated, and whoever gives her treats usually makes it onto her A list within a few sessions. Belly rubs are also helpful!
Nova takes days off. Part of my job as an Animal Assisted Counselor is keep track of the best interests of both my clients and my animal co-therapists. Because of this, Nova will probably not attend all or even most of our sessions. She doesn't have the stamina for therapy that I have. Sometimes she stays home to rest and relax, or because she is sick in some way. But if you love working with her, we can try to schedule your sessions at the times that she's most likely to join us.
Nova's personal life
Nova loves to sniff everything, hang out with her many dog friends at the local parks, learn and practicing skills and tricks, soak up the sun in the backyard, snuggle, and herd her family around the house. She loves twilight, and in summer almost always takes a little alone time out in the backyard to enjoy watching the sun go down.
