Therapy Dogs

We have evolved our program over the years to focus on our true passion, which is therapy dog work.  We certified all of our Alpine Sky Goldens to be therapy dogs, and now spend as much time as possible in the community sharing our gentle tempered dogs with others. It warms our hearts to see them enrich lives of anyone they interact with.  

Our English Cream Golden Retrievers are specifically selected for dispositions making them excellent therapy dogs that can share their love and comfort with our community and with their families.

We volunteer for Canines for Service, an excellent non-profit organization based in NC, that allows us to visit retirement homes, hospitals, businesses, and schools in the area. We most enjoy visiting high schools and college campuses, especially with the many mental health challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and other stress-related factors.

We hand-raise each puppy with future therapy work in mind, starting with socialization and other helpful practices to get them prepared at a young age. Our therapy dog trainer performs the Volhard Aptitude Temperament Test when the pups are 7 weeks old to help gauge their personality.  Many of our puppy families also certify their dogs to be therapy dogs.  We love seeing our dogs out in the community making lives better!

FYI: Therapy dogs are not service dogs; they are dogs trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, and disaster areas. They are very loyal and particularly suited to give love to their families, especially those with children 🐶.

Certified Therapy Dogs Owned by Alpine Sky

** KAYA **

Kaya is quite the celebrity on college campuses, specifically University of North Carolina where Rachel goes since they are a therapy team. She does go to other campuses too although Rachel prefers we no longer go to Duke…LOL. No matter the campus, we can’t count how many times students come up to us and say it was the best part of their day. Many are missing their own pets, and others just need some love and a sweet, furry distraction. Exam time is one of our favorite times to visit to help ease the stress and spread some joy.

** BELLE **

Belle is one of Kaya’s pups and a carbon copy in so many ways. Not only is she gorgeous like her Mama, but she, too, is a wonderful therapy dog. She and her handler Jim are a team and are often seen on college campuses, retirement homes, and out in the community. Soon sweet Belle will have her own puppies, so we can continue Kaya’s excellent bloodline with all the perfect therapy dog characteristics.

** SKY **

Sky is our beautiful Dutch girl from the Netherlands. She enjoys young people the most, and is a team with her handler, Tammy, at our events. You can see her wearing her University of North Carolina blue jersey, which always gets her lots of attention. She has figured out that if she works the crowd she will get more treats!

** ROXY **

Roxy was certified as a therapy dog in May 2025. She is a proud Kaya pup, one of Alpine Sky’s model therapy dogs. With her kind eyes and loving spirit, Roxy is winning hearts wherever she goes. Her absolute favorite thing? Belly rubs! We fully expect she’ll be spending plenty of time lying on her back during her community visits, soaking up all the love.

** HOLLY **

Holly deserves to be honored as one of our first therapy dogs. Sadly, we lost her this year and we miss her dearly. She attended many events over her lifetime and really enjoyed the high school and college campuses, most likely because she was raised with young people in her family. She quickly learned that if she howled at the students they would give her a treat. Everyone, including Holly, was happy at the end of the events!

** PENNY **

Incredibly calm for her age, Penny has a natural ability to let others know she’s safe to be around. With her gentle heart and intuitive spirit, she is making a big impact in the community.  She reads people beautifully, especially children and loves to visit Rooster’s Ice Cream with her handler, Heather. Kids of all ages turn their heads to say “hi”, and Penny welcomes them all, gently lying down when toddlers or younger children approach. 

** ROMEO **

Meet Romeo, a Sky pup and our youngest certified therapy dog. A gentle old soul, certified at just one year old, he brings calm to workplaces and pure joy to all ages, including children. Romeo definitely lives up to his name and was born for this work. Loves every minute of it!

** YUKI **

Yuki is a Sky pup who is owned by her devoted handler, Karen. Yuki has always been a social butterfly. Starting in her early days with Alpine Sky to countless community outings with her family, she’s been preparing for this role from the start. Yuki is always up for an adventure, especially if a walk or a swim is involved! Her favorite place? The backyard pool, where she’s truly in her element.

** SOFIE **

Sofie is a beloved Sky pup who is owned and cherished by her handler, Joanne. Sofie brings comfort, companionship and unconditional love to everyone she meets, which makes her an ideal therapy dog. She has a sweet spirit and a naturally calming presence.  Whether she’s offering quiet support during a tough moment or brightening a room just by walking in, she has a special gift for making people feel seen and cared for.

** TURNER **

Turner is one of our newer therapy dogs. He just turned 6 years old and has already been certified. He, by far, enjoys spreading joy on the college campuses. You will often find him with his handler, Jennifer, at North Carolina State University where his college-age person attends.

** ENZO **

Enzo is a Kaya pup who recently got certified. Considering his heritage, it is no wonder that he is such a perfect therapy dog. Enzo has never met a stranger! His handler Barbara can’t wait to go on more visits with him in the near future. She plans to visit rehab facilities for amputees soon!

** WILLIE NELSON “WILLIE” **

Willie was a natural at his first visit at the University of North Carolina. Willie is a sweet, gentle giant, full of love to share.  He recently got his therapy dog certification and are now an official team with Lucia and Bonnie. Hopefully you will see him at a therapy dog event soon!

** TEDDY **

Teddy has a very nurturing approach to his therapy work. He is sometimes called “Nurse Teddy” by his family because he cares deeply and wants to comfort everyone, human and furry. He makes a great therapy team with Tom and Tracey who are often seen around our community in libraries, retirement communities, various events and school campuses.