Rosey Cogan-Sousa may be the most-famous dog in Antrim – and definitely has the best wardrobe.
Rosey, a certified therapy dog, is well-known in town not only for her outfits and accessories, but for bringing comfort and love to people throughout the region.
“I am not sure how dogs do it exactly, but they truly know how to connect and reach the soul of a person,” said Patrick Cogan, a music teacher at Great Brook School and one of Rosey’s two “dads.”
Cogan said he never intended to get a therapy dog, but when he and his husband Thomas Sousa adopted Rosey, they noticed she had a calming effect on people.
“Friends would come over to meet our new addition, and leave feeling better than when they arrived,” Cogan said.
Rosey, a petite, “poodle-ish” mixed-breed rescued from Arkansas, is a certified therapy dog through Caring Animal Partners of New Hampshire.
Therapy dogs are distinct from service dogs, who are trained to assist with specific medical or psychological needs and can legally accompany their owners in any setting. Therapy dogs are trained to visit settings and groups where people may need affection and comforting physical contact .
Certified therapy dogs must be able to pass an American Kennel Club “Good Citizen” test and, along with their handlers, undergo evaluations focusing on preparation and appearance, handler abilities, obedience, discipline and socialization/temperament. Therapy dogs must have a calm and patient demeanor, and be able to stay calm in settings such as hospitals. Certified training facilities observe potential therapy dogs in several different settings, including medical facilities, before giving certification.
Rosey’s services are high demand. Along with being a regular at Great Brook School events, she spends four to six nights a month visiting various sites and groups, and her busy schedule includes regular visits to Concord Hospital, where she is a member of the PUP program (Pets Uplift People). Cogan has been amazed at Rosey’s ability to bring comfort to people who are dealing with mental health issues in particular.
“Once, in the hospital, a 21-year-old male just sat there and hugged Rosey for nearly 10 minutes, crying. Rosey truly knows how to connect to the needs of others,” Cogan said.
Rosey also helps hospital staff cope with the stresses of their work environment.
“When the ER nurses know Rosey will be in the hospital doing her therapy work, they send a special request so they can spend time with her as well,” Cogan said.
Another one of Rosey’s regular stops is Antrim’s Avenue A Teen Center. Jacqueline Roland, director of teen programs at The Grapevine Family & Community Resource Center, said teens eagerly anticipate Rosey’s visits.
“When Rosey visits Avenue A, she’s met by a steady stream of teens eager to sit with her. Some come by for some snuggles and a greeting, leaving with smiles on their faces to play pool or visit with friends. Others sit with Rosey for longer; it’s amazing to see how our teens relax when they’re with her. For teens who need a minute to catch up with themselves, Rosey curls up on their laps – the softest, gentlest anchor,” Roland said. “When teens gathered at Avenue A after the loss of a beloved community member, Rosey was there to offer comfort. Regardless of whether she’s visiting our center on a hard night or a happy night, by the time Rosey leaves, the room feels calmer.”
Cogan noted that when people first see Rosey, “they truly believe she is a stuffed animal.” She is happy to appear in her range of costumes and themed outfits, including rainbow bandannas, cowboy hats and a collection of glasses and sunglasses. Antrim’s postmaster, John Robie, requested a photo of Rosey in her “Mail Carrier” costume to hang in the post office. Rosey also has a strong social media presence. At every visit, Cogan hands out Rosey trading cards with all her information, as well as Rosey bookmarks and other gifts.
Rosey’s visits have been been requested by people unable to leave their homes, libraries, where children read to her; nursing homes; Scouts; after-school programs; and a support group for children with Type 1 diabetes. Recently, Rosey visited a transitional housing site in Bradford. Most transitional housing facilities do not allow animals, and families who have been evicted or lost their housing often have to give up family pets.
“Many people at the site talked about their own pets, and were moved to tears while cuddling Rosey,” Cogan said. “People really just wanted to sit quietly and hold her.”
As if she’s not busy enough bringing comfort to people around the state, Rosey’s book, “Rosey’s Adventures Coloring Book and Story Writing” is available on Amazon.
“Rosey has brought comfort to thousands of people,” Cogan says. “She is excited to continue her adventures and to keep making others smile. We’re excited to find where where 2024 will bring her.”
To request a visit from Rosey, please email Patrick Cogan at muzarteacher@gmail.com.
