CAC Alum Sky’s Journey to Becoming a Therapy Dog
Sky’s Remarkable Journey from Shelter Pup to Therapy Dog!
At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we believe every rescue animal has the potential to change lives. Sky, formerly known as Jango Fetch, is proof of this. Adopted by Bracha and her family, Sky has risen to incredible heights, earning his certification as a therapy dog and spreading joy wherever he goes! We caught up with Bracha to learn more about their journey together, from adoption to therapy work, and the life-changing moments along the way. Sky’s journey—from a CAC alum to a certified therapy dog—highlights the incredible potential of rescue animals and the boundless love they bring to their families!
Finding Each Other
Sky’s story began when Bracha, his now-mom, set out to find an emotional support animal for her autistic stepdaughter. “She wanted an active dog she could hike with in Colorado,” Bracha shared. A web search brought up Sky’s photo, his stunning blue eyes catching her attention instantly. “I felt this was the perfect dog for her!”
The family brought Sky home, but plans shifted when they realized her stepdaughter needed a full-service dog instead. Rather than returning Sky to CAC, Bracha and her husband welcomed him fully into their lives. Little did they know, Sky was destined for a very different, but equally meaningful, role.
Shortly after Sky’s adoption, Bracha’s husband was in a near-fatal car accident. As the family navigated his recovery, Sky became an emotional support animal for Bracha’s husband, helping him cope with PTSD.
“Sky was there immediately,” Bracha says. “His presence brought comfort and stability during one of the hardest times in our lives.”
Through it all, Sky’s personality shone. Playful, affectionate, and eager to be part of the family, he quickly became a source of joy and resilience. Despite his natural ability to provide comfort, Sky was still learning the basics. “Adopting an adult dog means you often start from scratch,” Bracha explained. “He was housebroken but didn’t know much else. Training was a must.”
Becoming a Therapy Dog
As Sky settled into his new life, his family began to notice his unique temperament and natural ability to bring comfort to others. Inspired by a brochure for Pet Partners at their dog trainer’s facility, Bracha decided to explore therapy dog certification for Sky.
Sky’s training wasn’t always smooth sailing. His stubborn husky nature often made lessons challenging, but his intelligence and eagerness to connect with people helped him persevere. “Sky is part husky, part German Shepherd—he needs a purpose,” Bracha says. “When he realized he had a job to do during the therapy dog evaluation, he performed perfectly. Passing at the complex level on his first try was amazing. I was so proud, and I could tell Sky was proud of himself too.”
Now a certified therapy dog, Sky’s impact is already profound. He regularly visits the Kenwood Senior Star, where residents light up at the sight of him. “Many of them know him by name and always ask to pet him. Sky is happy to comply,” Bracha shared.
But it’s not just seniors who benefit from Sky’s warmth. At a physical therapy center next to an adult daycare, Sky once met a woman in a wheelchair who could barely speak.
“Her eyes lit up when she saw Sky,” said Bracha. “The poor woman could hardly talk, but when she saw Sky she became so happy and excited to pet him. It’s these kinds of interactions we’re looking forward to.”
“We’re so happy that Sky has come a long way in such a short time. He’s brought joy to so many people in our lives already. Genuinely loving people, to makes him perfect for the job at hand.”
A Shelter Dog’s Journey
For Bracha and her family, adopting a rescue dog like Sky was a natural choice. They’ve always believed in giving shelter animals a second chance, recognizing the unique challenges and rewards that come with it.
“All of our dogs have been rescued—we’ll never buy a dog when so many need homes,” Bracha explains. “Even if you get a dog from a breeder, they still need training as puppies, or they too could end up in a shelter.”
Sky’s history was largely a mystery, like so many rescue dogs. He came to Cincinnati Animal CARE with an unknown past but quickly showed his resilience and capacity for love.
“Shelter dogs often have pasts filled with uncertainty. They might be scared, shuffled from place to place, or recovering from difficult experiences,” Bracha shares. “It’s a commitment. They need training, patience, and love. But seeing a rescue become all they’re meant to be? It’s the most rewarding thing ever.”
Sky’s journey from shelter dog to therapy dog is nothing short of inspiring. His family couldn’t be prouder of the impact he’s making and the joy he’s spreading.
“We tell Sky every day what a good boy he is, and he soaks up the love like a sponge,” Bracha says. “Dogs are very smart and pure love. If you train them properly you will have a grateful and faithful companion who loves unconditionally.”
If you’re ready to find your next faithful companion, browse our available dogs here and take a chance on a new best friend!
