“Unleashing Happiness” a monthly blog by Karen Lee Stevens

Director of Wellness Programs, Karen Lee Stevens tackles topics related to mental health and the human-animal bond, along with a healthy dose of humor (because let’s face it, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying!).

BLOG POST #30 – Love Is A Four-Legged Word

February 5, 2025
by KAREN LEE STEVENS

Whenever February rolls around, I have to admit that I turn into a big ball of mush. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love is everywhere and I always reach for Buffy’s pink and white heart sweater and her (equally adorable) colorful heart collar—the reason a ‘quick lap around the block’ takes 45 minutes while I nod and smile at every passerby who exclaims: ‘OMG, that collar is SOOO cute!!’

It’s easy to get swept up in the sweetness of the season, but for me, this month is about more than just cards and candy. It’s about the specific kind of love Buffy gives every day in her work as a therapy dog—the kind that inspired her very own motto.

If you’ve met Buffy during one of our visits, you might have received one of her “doggie business cards.” All our therapy dogs have them, each featuring a favorite life lesson. Buffy’s reads: “Love is a four-legged word,” and she really takes that to heart.

While I joke about being a mush, there’s actually incredible science behind why we feel so good around our animal companions. When we look into a dog’s eyes, our brains release oxytocin—often called the “cuddle chemical.” In the mental health world, we call this “unconditional positive regard,” which is really just a fancy way of saying Buffy doesn’t care if you’re having a bad hair day or if your to-do list is a mile long. She just loves the “you” who showed up today.

I wanted to share a bit of that steady love with you, so I’ve recorded a special video featuring Buffy called Anchor Breathing. I originally made this for school kids in our Wag Well program, but adults seem to love it just as much. Buffy isn’t asking you for anything; she’s just being a steady, furry presence to help you ground yourself.

Giggle Alert: At the mature age of 13, Buffy only has two teeth left, and they definitely make a guest appearance in the video! It’s all part of her canine charm. Honestly, it’s hard to feel stressed when you’re breathing along with a tiny dog who is rocking a sweet senior smile. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch the video and find your own “anchor” alongside her.

Buffy doesn’t care about our endless to-do lists—unless, of course, that list includes “give Buffy a treat.” As long as the snacks are accounted for, she’s happy to simply be in your orbit. We can learn a lot from that. Sometimes the best way to show love isn’t by giving advice or solving a problem, but by “sitting and wagging” — offering a listening ear and a steady heart.

Speaking of hearts, mine is especially full this month just seeing the way you all have welcomed Buffy and our other therapy dogs into your lives. It’s the quiet connections—the smiles in the hallway or the deep breaths shared during a visit—that remind me why we do what we do. Whether you’re wearing a heart-print sweater or just trying to survive a Tuesday, I hope you think of Buffy’s business card and remember: You are seen, you are valued, and you are loved.

After all, the best kind of love doesn’t always come in a box of chocolates. Sometimes, it has four legs, a wet nose, and a very endearing (if slightly toothy) smile.

Ready for a breather? Click the link to watch Buffy’s Anchor Breathing video. Even if you only have two minutes to spare, let this pint-sized pup help you find a little calm today. And, if your pet has a “motto, I’d love to hear about it! Send me an email at karen@therapydogssb.org.

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