Sunny's Best Life

[sunnysbestlife]

When Therapy Dogs attempt group photos at the beach: a series. The last one sums up Sunny’s feelings. 🤣 • ID: 3 whippets, an Aussie, and a chihuahua mix refuse to cooperate at the same time for photos at the beach. Their humans are in the first image. • 📸: @mooshthetherapydog • #RescueDogsRule #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogs #TherapyDogsOfInstagram #TherapyDogInTraining #TherapyDogsRock #DogTrainingTips #DogTrainingIsFun #DogTrainingLife #DogTrainingPaysOff #PetTherapy #CaliforniaDog #SoCalDogs #DogsOfLA #TherapyAnimals #AnimalTherapy #DogTherapy #LifeIsBetterWithADog #FunWithDogs #DogsMakeMeSmile #GirlAndHerDog #AnimalAssistedTherapy #ForceFreeDogTraining #LittleDogLife #MuttsKickButt #DogMomForLife #DogsThatExplore #ExploringWithDogs (at Morro Bay Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbnhfv0ppsH/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Join us live at 3:00pm PDT on Monday March 21st to chat with Kristin of @winston_the_aussie_coonhound about her experiences volunteering as a Therapy Dog tram and her research on Animal Assisted Therapy with children on the Autism spectrum. 🐾 Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️ (at Maryland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbS5ChRpMPy/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Join us live at 4:30 on Monday March 14th to chat with Katelyn of @skyward_farms about her experiences volunteering as a Junior handler with her Therapy Dog Ace. 🐾 Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible. ⤵️ (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca7xpAJJNI3/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Today is International Women’s Day, and while it can be cause for some to celebrate for others it is a reminder of how difficult it is to be a woman in this world. Let’s take today as an opportunity to build up the women around us and also to consider those who are fighting for their lives and for their right to be seen and heard for who they are. If you can afford it, please join me in supporting @thelovelandfoundation in their mission to show up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways with a particular focus on Black women and girls. I will match up to $100 and my employer matches my gift so your donation will be tripled! Do you have an organization you support that focuses on women? Tag them below and I’ll feature them in my story. ⤵️ • ID: A white woman with magenta hair holding a small tan dog with floppy ears in front of a white wall. • #InternationalWomensDay #WomensWellness #BlackMindsMatter #RescueDogsRule #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogs #TherapyDogsOfInstagram #TherapyDogInTraining #TherapyDogsRock #DogTrainingTips #DogTrainingIsFun #DogTrainingLife #DogTrainingPaysOff #PetTherapy #CaliforniaDog #SoCalDogs #DogsOfLA #TherapyAnimals #AnimalTherapy #DogTherapy #LifeIsBetterWithADog #FunWithDogs #DogsMakeMeSmile #GirlAndHerDog #AnimalAssistedTherapy #ForceFreeDogTraining #LittleDogLife #MuttsKickButt (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca2heKip5hw/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Does your dog like the car? ⤵️ One of the things you might not think about when training your pup to be a Therapy Dog is traveling. In order to get to the various places you may be working or volunteering with your dog, you’re going to need to travel and probably not by foot. Sunny was initially great in the car but we had a significant experience a little over a year ago that was reinforced by two smaller experiences throughout the last year. It got to the point where she would pant and shake any time we got in any car. Since then I’ve learned several different techniques to help her be more comfortable in the car and allowed her to go at her own pace. Though not pictured here, these days her preferred method of travel is her @diggspet bag. She will jump up into the car on her own and climb into the bag - her safe space. How do you help your pup to be more comfortable while traveling? ⤵️ • 📸: @thisdoodchase • ID: A small tan dog stands in the back of a stationary SUV. • #RescueDogsRule #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogs #TherapyDogsOfInstagram #TherapyDogInTraining #TherapyDogsRock #DogTrainingTips #DogTrainingIsFun #DogTrainingLife #DogTrainingPaysOff #PetTherapy #CaliforniaDog #SoCalDogs #DogsOfLA #TherapyAnimals #AnimalTherapy #DogTherapy #LifeIsBetterWithADog #FunWithDogs #DogsMakeMeSmile #GirlAndHerDog #AnimalAssistedTherapy #ForceFreeDogTraining #LittleDogLife #MuttsKickButt (at Franklin Canyon Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cax7yozvPe5/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Join us live at 3pm PST on Monday, March 7th to chat with Tori of @tmistick about her experiences volunteering with her Therapy Dog Lucy. 🐾 Can’t make it live? Drop your questions in the comments and we will get to them if possible! ⤵️ (at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/Caklmn5vAOS/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

What questions do you have about becoming a Therapy Dogs team? ⤵️ If you’re thinking about becoming a Therapy Dog team but feeling a little lost, I totally get you. I’ve been there. My approach is always to dig in, talk to others doing the thing I want to do, and learn as much as I can. I did that. And then I made a free guide to share with others who are interested in becoming a Therapy Dog team! SAVE this post and then download the guide at the link in my bio: freeguide.sunnysbestlife.com Once you check it out, come back and let me know what helped you the most! Current Therapy Dog teams, what’s one piece of advice for future therapy dogs? ⤵️ • ID: A pdf guide on an iPad titled How to Get Started as a Therapy Dog Team. • #RescueDogsRule #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogs #TherapyDogsOfInstagram #TherapyDogInTraining #TherapyDogsRock #DogTrainingTips #DogTrainingIsFun #DogTrainingLife #DogTrainingPaysOff #PetTherapy #CaliforniaDog #SoCalDogs #DogsOfLA #TherapyAnimals #AnimalTherapy #DogTherapy #LifeIsBetterWithADog #FunWithDogs #DogsMakeMeSmile #GirlAndHerDog #AnimalAssistedTherapy #ForceFreeDogTraining #LittleDogLife #MuttsKickButt #Goldendoodle #LabradoodleLife #PoodleLovers (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cah4wwTJpYk/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Swipe to see her fly. ➡️ One of the most important things to remember on our training journey to becoming a Therapy Dog team is to take things at Sunny’s pace. For us that means to slow down and have _fun_. One of Sunny’s favorite things to do is go somewhere she can be (safely) off leash outdoors and chase a tiny tennis ball. And yes I do mean chase, she almost never brings it back. What do you and your pup do for fun? ⤵️ • 📸: @dogtographer.la • ID: A small tan dog with floppy ears is in motion on her hind legs while looking back at her human. In the second photo the dog appears to be flying with her ears straight in the air. • #RescueDogsRule #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogs #TherapyDogsOfInstagram #TherapyDogInTraining #TherapyDogsRock #DogTrainingTips #DogTrainingIsFun #DogTrainingLife #DogTrainingPaysOff #PetTherapy #CaliforniaDog #SoCalDogs #DogsOfLA #TherapyAnimals #AnimalTherapy #DogTherapy #LifeIsBetterWithADog #FunWithDogs #DogsMakeMeSmile #GirlAndHerDog #AnimalAssistedTherapy #ForceFreeDogTraining #LittleDogLife #MuttsKickButt (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CaU4-ZXJdcL/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

It’s been a whirlwind of a week and my head space hasn’t been in content generation (with the exclusion of the @therapydogtalk clips I’ve been sharing over there). But I did want to share this Sunny appreciation post. Two weeks ago I did a big scary thing and applied to the Animal Assisted Counseling Academy for this summer’s cohort. I won’t know for awhile if we’re accepted, and that makes me really anxious, but I know in my heart that Sunny will enjoy this work and I also realize that this isn’t our only chance. I have seen so much growth in her even just these past two weeks and it brings me nothing but joy to see her grow in confidence and optimism which will help her to live her best life no matter the details. This is a bit scattered, which represents my brain well in this moment, so I’ll leave it here and ask you one thing: What does your pup do that brings you joy? ⤵️ • 📸: @dogtographer.la • ID: A white woman with dark magenta hair holds a small tan dog. • #RescueDogsRule #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogs #TherapyDogsOfInstagram #TherapyDogInTraining #TherapyDogsRock #DogTrainingTips #DogTrainingIsFun #DogTrainingLife #DogTrainingPaysOff #PetTherapy #CaliforniaDog #SoCalDogs #DogsOfLA #TherapyAnimals #AnimalTherapy #DogTherapy #LifeIsBetterWithADog #FunWithDogs #DogsMakeMeSmile #GirlAndHerDog #AnimalAssistedTherapy #ForceFreeDogTraining #LittleDogLife #MuttsKickButt (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CaIQPrzvq9-/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Swipe ➡️ for a kiss. 😘 Just popping in to say Happy Pal-entines day from me and my bestie @samanateedog. How are you celebrating Palentines Day? I’m actually spending it in San Diego to relax and practice my therapy dog training in a different environment since us pups need to practice what we learn in multiple locations. I aced my travel bag training on the drive down here so I’d say it’s going pretty well so far! Drop your favorite training places in the comments. ⤵️ • Shout out to @justaskjenny for pointing out that Galentines can be for everyone if we swap out G for P. Check out her Inclusive Content Calendar and Inclusive Language Guide - they’re a must have for content creators. • ID: A small tan dog with floppy ears and her large brown dog roommate wearing red bandanas with hearts on them. The smaller of us kissing the big one in the second photo. • #RescueDogsRule #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogs #TherapyDogsOfInstagram #TherapyDogInTraining #TherapyDogsRock #DogTrainingTips #DogTrainingIsFun #DogTrainingLife #DogTrainingPaysOff #PetTherapy #CaliforniaDog #SoCalDogs #DogsOfLA #TherapyAnimals #AnimalTherapy #DogTherapy #LifeIsBetterWithADog #FunWithDogs #DogsMakeMeSmile #GirlAndHerDog #AnimalAssistedTherapy #ForceFreeDogTraining #LittleDogLife #MuttsKickButt #LucyAndCo (at San Diego, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ7MK96JH_o/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

How organized are you? On a scale from “always triple booked and missing things I care about” to “scheduling in self care”? I’m trying to get more organized this year. The thought of living by a calendar used to make me cringe but now it’s to the point where I literally schedule in time to train Sunny each day. There are some things we do that are training as a way of life throughout the day but at least this way I know I have time dedicated to her even if all we do is play without any agenda whatsoever. Do you make time to train and/or play with your dog every day? ⤵️ • #Accessibility: A small tan dog lying with her head on her front paws. She’s on a boat but you can’t really tell. • #DogsAreTheBest #TherapyDog #DogsThatExplore #HappyDoggo #DogOfTheWeek #RescueDogsRule #TrainYourDog #DogTraining101 #LifeOfADog #PetTherapy #TrainingDog #DogsMakeLifeBetter #CaliforniaDogs #PawsThatWander #DogsAtPlay #LoveMyPup #DogMomForLife #DogGames #PupperDoggo #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogInTraining #TrainingDogs #AdorableDogsOfInstagram #MyDogIsTheBest #RescueMutt #AlwaysBeLearning #PlayWithYourDog #FunWithDogs (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZsXel3PdJI/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

What are you looking forward to? ⤵️ We have some really big goals coming up with the most tangible being graduating from my Marriage & Family Therapy program in May. If you’ve been following along you know that I’m also training Sunny toward becoming a Therapy Dog so that she can work together with me in practice. We’ve made so much progress in confidence and I’ve seen so much growth in her. Next up: optimism. How do you work on optimism for yourself and your pet? ⤵️ • 📸: @dogtographer.la • #Accessibility: A small tan dog with floppy ears looks towards the distance while sitting on her human’s lap. • #DogsAreTheBest #TherapyDog #HappyDoggo #DogOfTheWeek #RescueDogsRule #TrainYourDog #DogTraining101 #LifeOfADog #PetTherapy #TrainingDog #DogsMakeLifeBetter #CaliforniaDogs #LoveMyPup #DogMomForLife #PupperDoggo #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogInTraining #TrainingDogs #AdorableDogsOfInstagram #MyDogIsTheBest #RescueMutt #AlwaysBeLearning #MuttsRule #WhatTheFluff #LittleDogs (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZpZlnqvfCu/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Happy Won’t Look Wednesday, y’all! I’m headed back out on the water tomorrow with La Mer Maids and @keepnaturewild - how much trash do you think we will find? ⤵️ • #Accessibility: A small tan dog in a silver body warmer and light blue life jacket stands on a boat seat. • #TherapyDog #DogsThatExplore #AdventurePup #GetOutsideAndPlay #ExploreOutdoors #ProtectOurPlanet #FindMeOutside #PetTherapy #SeekAdventure #KeepNatureWild #OptOutdoors #LoveOurPlanet #EarthDayEveryday #PawsThatWander #ProtectThePlanet #FiDogs #DogsOutside #PupperDoggo #VentureOut #LosAngelesDogs #ProtectTheEarth #WildKeepers #ImpactDay #WildKeeperPups #ProtectOurOceans #SaveTheSea #CleanOceans #PlasticSucks (at Pacific Ocean) https://www.instagram.com/p/CY7KBOGPdRE/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

January feels, am I right? Between the cold temperatures, yes even in Los Angeles, and 10 days of quarantining it’s been a bit of a muted 2022 for us so far. So while we’ll continue to post our training progress and excitement for the future just now it’s accompanied by quite a bit of rest and self-care. We’re all okay but it’s a good reminder that we’re still not functioning in “normal” times and therefore shouldn’t expect to be operating at “normal” levels. How do you practice rest and self-care? ⤵️ Be kind to yourself. You matter. #Accessibility: A small tan dog with floppy ears hides from the cold while buried in blankets. • #PupperDoggo #CaliforniaDog #WhatTheFluff #Muttstagram #RescueDogsRule #PetTherapy #MuttsTule #LosAngelesDogs (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYrxR1UPQ0O/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Have you flown with your pet? ⤵️ If so, I would love to hear what’s helped you make them feel confident and safe while traveling! Sunny has never flown before but will need to for a few days of our Animal Assisted Counseling program—if we are accepted. I ordered our travel carrier last month in preparation for 1-2 short training flights this spring before our flights to Texas this summer. For the first week or two, I left the carrier lying around in whichever rooms we were in so that it became a somewhat familiar object and began to take on the smells of home. Next, I tossed treats into the carrier to give her incentive to explore the inside. She was a bit hesitant at first but eventually didn’t mind at all. So far, with a lot of patience and making sure it is always her choice, we are off to a great start building optimism and confidence with her new carrier! What has helped your pet? ⤵️ • #Accessibility: A dog is head first into a gray carrier with only her curly tail and back legs sticking out. • #DogsAreTheBest #TherapyDog #DogsThatExplore #RescueDogsRule #TrainYourDog #ConfidenceBuilding #DogTraining101 #LifeOfADog #PetTherapy #TrainingDog #DogsMakeLifeBetter #CaliforniaDogs #PawsThatWander #DogsAtPlay #LoveMyPup #DogMomForLife #DogGames #PupperDoggo #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogInTraining #TrainingDogs #AdorableDogsOfInstagram #MyDogIsTheBest #RescueMutt #AlwaysBeLearning #PlayWithYourDog #FunWithDogs (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYj_oROPOeO/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

New year, nood me. ✨ Just kidding. I’m the same pup as I was yesterday. 2021 was far from perfect but we were able to tackle significant building blocks towards our goal of becoming an Animal Assisted Counseling team. 2022 should bring us even closer, if it goes according to plan. But even if it doesn’t, that’s okay. Because we matter no matter whether or not we accomplish those goals. And you know what? You matter, too. What are you looking for from 2022? ⤵️ • 📸: @dogtographer.la • #Accessibility: A small tan dog with floppy ears and a curly tail looks at the camera wearing nothing except her own fur. • #DogModel #CaliforniaDog #DogModels #AdorableDogsOfInstagram #RescuePup #RescueDogsRule #PetTherapy #DogsThatExplore #Muttstagram #LosAngelesDogs #PawsThatWander #MuttsRule #WhatTheFluff #PupperDoggo #ConfidenceBuilding #TrainingDog #PupsOfInstagram #CuteDogsOfInstagram #PuppyLife (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYMlgEHpacw/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysbestlife]

Throwing it all the way back to the 90s for 2021’s final TBT. If you saw our story than you may have noticed that our big goal for 2022 involves airline travel. In February, we will be applying to an Animal Assisted Counseling program that takes place this summer and if we get accepted, we will be flying to Texas for a few days in July and in August. This has been our goal for about a year and we have already started working on preparing her for the travel aspects to help reduce her stress so that she can focus on the learning when we are there. Here’s a few ways we are preparing: ➡️ Staying at hotels (sleeping away from home). ➡️ Driving through the mountains (air pressure changes). ➡️ Normalizing an airline carrier as a safe place to be. Studies show that dogs can carry stressors with them for up to a week so I’m also considering going down early to give her a week to adjust and decompress before classes begin so that she’s ready to learn. Of course, all of this is pending our acceptance, but I know that our chances of travel success are greater if we start training now. What’s helped you when preparing your dog for air travel? ⤵️ • #Accessibility: A small tan dog with floppy ears wears a blue @housedogge hoodie while standing on a bench in front of graffiti. • #DogsAreTheBest #TherapyDog #DogsThatExplore #HappyDoggo #DogOfTheWeek #RescueDogsRule #TrainYourDog #ConfidenceBuilding #DogTraining101 #LifeOfADog #PetTherapy #TrainingDog #DogsMakeLifeBetter #CaliforniaDogs #PawsThatWander #DogsAtPlay #LoveMyPup #DogMomForLife #DogGames #PupperDoggo #LosAngelesDogs #TherapyDogInTraining #TrainingDogs #AdorableDogsOfInstagram #MyDogIsTheBest #RescueMutt #AlwaysBeLearning #PlayWithYourDog #FunWithDogs (at Topanga, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYHI-pPlqjq/?utm_medium=tumblr