Gus
Therapy Dog
Certified Good Boy
Credentials
AKC Canine Good Citizen
Pet Partners Therapy Animal Team #1035968
Fun Facts
Favorite Treat: Milkbone
Favorite Toy: Turtle
Favorite Activity: Rolling in the grass
Meet Gus – Sequoia Counseling Collective’s resident therapy animal and arguably the most popular member of the team. Gus is an AKC Registered Golden Retriever with a career history that might surprise you. He spent the first two years of his life with his breeder, working as a show dog – a role he performed with distinction. But at age two, Gus decided it was time for a career change. That’s when he became a part of Ryanne’s family, and eventually, a beloved presence in the therapy room.
After meeting Gus for the first time, Ryanne quickly observed something special about him – a calming, intuitive nature that seemed almost tailored for this kind of work. He has since completed formal training and evaluation to receive his therapy animal certifications, making him a fully credentialed member of the team.
What makes Gus exceptional isn’t just his credentials, it’s his instincts. He has an uncanny sense for knowing when someone needs extra comfort, a moment of levity, or simply a warm body nearby. For clients who find it hard to open up, Gus has a way of making the room feel safer. For those carrying something heavy, his presence offers a kind of grounding that is difficult to put into words. Research consistently supports the benefits of animal assisted therapy – reduced anxiety, increased feelings of safety, and a greater sense of connection – and Gus embodies all of it.
When he’s not at the office, Gus lives a very full and satisfying dog life. His favorite activities include rolling in the grass, hiking Colorado’s trails, and vigilantly protecting everyone from squirrels. He takes that last responsibility very seriously.
