Animal-assisted therapy with Ruby

Supporting connection, confidence, engagement and regulation

Ruby is a qualified animal-assisted therapy dog who works alongside Naomi in carefully planned early intervention sessions.

Her calm, friendly presence can help children feel more comfortable, motivated and connected. Activities involving Ruby are selected according to the child’s individual goals, interests, communication style and comfort.

Ruby does not replace therapy. She works as part of Naomi’s early intervention approach, creating meaningful opportunities for children to practise skills through connection, play and supported interaction

Enquire About Therapy with Ruby

Close-up of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy's face.

How Ruby may support children

Depending on the child’s goals and comfort, working with Ruby may create opportunities to support:

Emotional regulation and co-regulation
Engagement and motivation
Confidence and self-esteem
Communication and expressing needs
Waiting and turn-taking
Flexible thinking and coping with change
Following routines and sequences
Gentle, respectful interaction
Understanding body language and non-verbal communication
Recognising emotions and body clues
Social interaction and shared attention
Persistence when tasks feel difficult
Movement, coordination and participation
Building a sense of connection and safety

Every child responds differently to animals. Ruby is included only when her involvement is appropriate, meaningful and supportive of the child’s agreed goals.

A sleepy brown dog with a red collar sitting in a person's arms.

What therapy with Ruby may involve

Activities are carefully planned by Naomi and may include:

Greeting Ruby and noticing her body language
Preparing Ruby’s mat, water or equipment
Brushing or gently patting Ruby with her consent
Playing fetch or participating in movement activities
Walking alongside Ruby
Giving Ruby a simple cue
Helping Ruby practise a trick
Reading a book to Ruby
Completing drawing or writing activities about Ruby
Using Ruby photographs or visuals to explore emotions
Practising waiting, turn-taking and asking for help
Learning when Ruby feels comfortable or needs space
Completing calming or mindful activities near Ruby

Children are never required to touch, feed or interact directly with Ruby. Watching from a comfortable distance, using Ruby-themed resources or choosing an alternative activity are all valid ways to participate.

A small brown dog sitting on a wooden floor.

Choice, consent and safety

The safety, comfort and wellbeing of both the child and Ruby are central to every session.

Participation with Ruby is always optional
Children can choose how close they would like to be
Consent is checked throughout the session
Children are supported to recognise Ruby’s body language
Ruby can move away, rest or finish an interaction at any time
Direct interaction is supervised by Naomi
Activities are adapted to the child’s age, abilities and communication style
Families must disclose allergies, fears, medical concerns or previous experiences with dogs
Hygiene and infection-control procedures are followed
Alternative activities are always available

Learning to notice and respect Ruby’s communication helps children understand boundaries, consent and safe interaction. Ruby’s needs are never overridden to achieve a therapeutic goal.

Close-up of a small brown dog with big eyes.

Ruby’s training, health and wellbeing

Ruby has completed therapy-dog training and assessment to work alongside Naomi in supported therapeutic environments.

Therapy-dog training and assessment completed
Works only under Naomi’s supervision
Regular veterinary health and wellbeing checks
Vaccinations and preventative health care maintained
Covered by appropriate professional insurance
Ongoing training and skill development
Planned rest breaks and limits on workload
Access to water, rest space and opportunities to move away
Sessions adjusted or cancelled if Ruby is tired, unwell or showing signs of stress

Finish with:

Ruby’s welfare is monitored before, during and after sessions. Her behaviour, energy, comfort and willingness to participate guide how—and whether—she is involved.

Is therapy with Ruby right for every child?

Animal-assisted therapy is not automatically suitable for every child. Before Ruby is included, Naomi considers the child’s goals, preferences, safety and previous experiences with animals.
Ruby may not be included, or interaction may be modified, when a child:

Has a significant dog allergy
Experiences intense fear or distress around dogs
Is unable to remain safe with an animal despite support
Has a medical or infection-control concern
Does not want Ruby involved
Has goals that would be better supported without animal involvement
Requires support outside Naomi or Ruby’s scope of practice

A child does not need to love dogs to participate in therapy with Naomi. Ruby’s involvement is always discussed with the family, and sessions can proceed without her when this is the safer or more appropriate option.

Therapy dog, not assistance doG

Ruby is an animal-assisted therapy dog working alongside Naomi. She is not an assistance dog and does not have the same legal public-access rights as an accredited assistance dog.

Ruby attends only locations where prior permission, safety planning and appropriate arrangements are in place. Her presence does not provide automatic access to schools, kindergartens, shops, medical settings or other public and private venues.

When a session is planned at an education or community setting, Naomi will confirm permission and relevant requirements with the service before Ruby attends.

Interested in therapy with Ruby?

Tell us about your child, their goals, their previous experiences with dogs and any allergies, fears or safety concerns. Naomi will contact you to discuss whether Ruby’s involvement may be appropriate, current availability, fees and the next steps.