# Andy Honda - Beyond the Holidays: A Therapy Dog’s Love Letter to New York City

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/soul-touched-by-dogs-6619614/andy-honda-beyond-the-holidays-a-therapy-dog-s-love-letter-to-new-york-city
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/soul-touched-by-dogs-6619614/andy-honda-beyond-the-holidays-a-therapy-dog-s-love-letter-to-new-york-city.md
Podcast: [Soul Touched by Dogs](https://stenobird.com/podcast/soul-touched-by-dogs-6619614)
Published: 2026-01-04T11:53:59+00:00
Episode link: https://soultouchedbydogs.transistor.fm/episodes/andy-honda-beyond-the-holidays-a-therapy-dog-s-love-letter-to-new-york-city
Audio file: https://p.podderapp.com/1495290720/media.transistor.fm/3678ba3b/f5e52db4.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/soul-touched-by-dogs-6619614/episodes/andy-honda-beyond-the-holidays-a-therapy-dog-s-love-letter-to-new-york-city
Duration seconds: 1662

## Resource

Yes… this episode should have gone out before Christmas. And yet, there’s something quietly perfect about sharing it now, at the very beginning of January. Because this conversation isn’t really about Christmas. It’s about connection. About slowing down enough to notice the magic that’s already there. And about the kind of presence dogs offer us - especially when the world feels loud, fast, or overwhelming. In this episode, Andy Honda invites us into life in New York City through the eyes (and paws) of her therapy dog, Koa, and into the heart behind her children’s book series Koa’s Ruff Life. It’s gentle. It’s grounding. And it’s exactly the kind of story many of us need as we step into a new year. 🐾 What we explore in this episode How a big, soulful Rhodesian Ridgeback became a certified therapy dog What therapy dog visits actually look like - in children’s hospitals and schools for kids with special needs Why Koa’s calm presence has such a powerful effect on children How everyday walks through New York City turned into stories that educate, comfort, and delight The surprising thread connecting Andy’s work as a medical executive with her storytelling for children Why paying attention is one of the greatest gifts dogs give us Key takeaways The truth behind therapy dogs: It’s not about tricks or obedience - it’s about temperament, attunement, and emotional safety Why small, ordinary moments matter: A walk, a pause, a shared smile ... this is where connection lives How dogs help us regulate: Koa doesn’t “do” much, and that’s exactly why he helps so much Why stories are such powerful teachers: Especially for children, learning lands best when it’s wrapped in warmth and curiosity 💬 Favorite quote from the episode “There’s something about Koa. He has this calming presence -…

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