AATS MA

AATS MA Animal Assisted Therapy Services Massachusetts is a 501c3 non-profit organization proudly serving Worcester County.

07/14/2026

REMINDER! This Sunday is the Therapy Dog Lecture!! This is required before progressing to therapy dog classes and AKC CGC is a prerequisite.

Good morning! 🐾First shift is Tilly, Maple, Cedar, and Tomo!🐾
06/27/2026

Good morning!
🐾First shift is Tilly, Maple, Cedar, and Tomo!🐾

06/26/2026
A PAWsitive referral from Principal Patrissi ❤️“Please know how much you and Lily mean to the Goodyear community. You co...
06/25/2026

A PAWsitive referral from Principal Patrissi ❤️

“Please know how much you and Lily mean to the Goodyear community. You come to all of our events, always put kids first, and find ways to celebrate our students. You even organized a wonderful event to honor Lily and all of her therapy dog friends. I could go on and on about the positive impact you have on our school.

Week after week, you give your time to support our Little Lions, and your commitment goes far beyond what is expected. Goodyear would not be the same without you both.

Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and all that you do for our students and staff. I appreciate you more than you know.

I hope you and Lily have a wonderful weekend. See you next week!”

06/24/2026

SHAKE IT ALL OFF

A shake off is one of many types of dog body language and is one of the easiest ones to notice.

Besides being a highly effective way to get rid of dirt, bugs or water - dogs can remove up to 70% of water in one single shake off - the shake off is often seen just after something that a dog needs a mental reset from.

Dogs will often shake off after an event that creates emotional arousal or tension. A shake off doesn't necessarily mean the experience was negative – it’s a healthy coping mechanism and a sign that a dog is self-regulating their emotions.

It’s a nervous system reset. Just like we might take a deep breath, stretch our shoulders, or sigh with relief after an exciting or stressful moment, dogs often shake to transition from one emotional state to another.

Things like excitement, anticipation, frustration, uncertainty, or relief can all create emotional arousal that may trigger a shake.

It's a dog’s way of saying "Okay, that's over. I'm ready to move on now."

It’s interesting to notice what triggers shake offs in our dogs as it provides us with valuable insight into their internal state.

Repeated or frequent shake offs can sometimes indicate medical issues like ear infections, skin irritation, allergies, discomfort, or pain. If shake offs seem excessive or out of context, it's worth having a vet check.

The shake off is far more than just a shake - it's emotional regulation in action.

Dogs instinctively know they feel better when they just shake it all off!

So good to see Blue at work!! 💙💙
06/23/2026

So good to see Blue at work!! 💙💙

Remembering Therapy Dog Fenway 🌈 Thinking of your humans and all of the people you touched during your time with us. “Th...
06/18/2026

Remembering Therapy Dog Fenway 🌈
Thinking of your humans and all of the people you touched during your time with us.

“There is no greater earthly privilege than to be loved by a dog”

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Spencer, MA

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