Meet Sir Garvey Ross, CGC
Certified. Intuitive. Unconditionally Present.
Sometimes the most powerful thing in a therapy room isn’t a technique or a tool. It’s a presence. Sir Garvey Ross, CGC, is a Bichon Frise Lhasa Apso mix and MBHI’s beloved resident therapy dog. Holding a Canine Good Citizen Certificate (CGC) from the American Kennel Club, Sir Garvey has undergone extensive professional training, bringing both skill and a rare emotional attentiveness to every session he’s part of.
He doesn’t judge. He doesn’t rush. He simply shows up, exactly as you need him to.
Sir Garvey May Be Especially Helpful If…
- Painful or overwhelming experiences have made it hard to feel safe, even in a therapy setting.
- Anxiety or depression leaves you feeling disconnected or guarded.
- You’re carrying grief and find it difficult to open up.
- ADHD makes it hard to stay present or engaged in a traditional therapy session.
- Early childhood experiences have made trust and connection feel difficult.
- You’ve tried therapy before and struggled to engage or stay connected.
- You simply find comfort, calm, and ease in the presence of animals.
What Animal-Assisted Therapy Looks Like at MBHI
Sir Garvey is not simply a comforting presence. He is an active, intentional part of the therapeutic process. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is facilitated by a trained professional and therapy animal, and participation is always voluntary and completely client-centered. Here’s how Sir Garvey shows up in sessions:
Grounding & Emotion Regulation
When anxiety spikes or difficult feelings surface, Sir Garvey’s presence helps bring you back to the present moment, creating a felt sense of safety that words alone sometimes can’t.
Building Rapport & Trust
Animals ease tension naturally. Sir Garvey helps soften the therapeutic space, making it easier to open up and build a trusting therapeutic relationship at your own pace.
Mindfulness & Awareness
Sir Garvey invites you to slow down, breathe, and practice present-moment awareness, a gentle, embodied entry point into mindfulness.
Social & Coping Skills
Interactions with Sir Garvey model healthy boundaries and build confidence, skills that extend well beyond the therapy room.
What the Research, and Our Clients, Tell Us
- Reduce anxiety, stress, and cortisol levels.
- Support emotional regulation and calm.
- Increase feelings of safety and trust.
- Enhance engagement and motivation in therapy.
- Support healing from painful past experiences.
- Complement evidence-based approaches including Brainspotting, CBT, and DBT.
- Strengthen the therapeutic connection through non-judgmental presence.
A Little More About Sir Garvey Ross, CGC
Sir Garvey is a 2-year-old Bichon Frise Lhasa Apso mix, affectionate, intuitive, and remarkably attuned to the emotional needs of the people around him. He holds a Canine Good Citizen Certificate (CGC) from the American Kennel Club and has completed extensive training with a professional trainer. It is not unusual for Sir Garvey to quietly move closer, rest beside you, or climb into your lap when he senses you need him most.
Outside of the office, Sir Garvey enjoys belly rubs, long sniff walks, a good game of fetch, and tug of war, living his fullest life both in and out of work.
Sir Garvey, On and Off Duty
Certified therapy dog, professional good boy. A few moments with Sir Garvey around the office.
Curious About Whether Sir Garvey Can Help You?
You don’t have to decide right away. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation and we can explore together whether incorporating Sir Garvey into your sessions feels like the right fit for your goals and comfort level.
Or call directly: 214-356-0335