Our Therapy Animals
At Sisu & Sage Psychology, animals work with us, not for us. Like the people who come through our doors, they have their own personalities, preferences and boundaries, and they have a choice about how and when they participate.
Sometimes an animal might be actively involved in the therapeutic work. Other times, they may wander in to say hello, settle nearby for a while, or decide they would rather be somewhere else. All of these interactions can offer something, noticing cues, respecting boundaries, building trust, and experiencing connection without needing to force it.
The same choice applies to clients. There is never an expectation to interact with an animal, and having animals involved is not necessary for therapy. For some people they become an important part of the work; for others, they are simply part of the Sisu & Sage environment.
Hugo
Bernese Mountain Dog | Born June 2026
Hugo is a Bernese Mountain Dog and, despite his rapidly increasing size, is still very much a puppy!
He recently graduated from puppy school and will continue formal therapy dog training over the next 12 months as he grows and gradually becomes more involved at Sisu & Sage. At this stage, Hugo is learning all of the important things that come with being young; how to settle, respond to cues from others, respect boundaries, and navigate the world around him.
With a giant smile, Hugo is affectionate, curious, gentle and very people-focused. He loves being close, and is usually interested in whatever is happening around him. As a puppy, you can expect that alongside calm moments there is plenty of excitement, learning, and the occasional reminder that positive behaviours take practice.
As Hugo's training progresses, his involvement in therapy will continue to develop. He will always have the choice to participate, just as clients have the choice to interact with him.
Albert
German Shorthaired Pointer | Born April 2025
Albert is our German Shorthaired Pointer and an occasional visitor to Sisu & Sage Psychology.
Intelligent, kind, energetic and endlessly enthusiastic, Albert generally approaches life at full speed! This is perhaps unsurprising given that one of his favourite activities is running. In his spare time, Albert participates in canicross, where dog and human run together, although Albert would probably argue that the human could move a little faster.
Albert is expressive and very clear in his communication. His visits can provide opportunities to notice body language, practise boundaries and impulse control, and think about how we respond to the energy and communication of others.
Blossom & Poppy
Guinea Pigs | Born May 2026
Blossom (pictured to the left) and Poppy (pictured to the right) are our sweet little sisters and a closely bonded pair of guinea pigs. While the family resemblance is strong, their personalities are very different.
Blossom is the more outgoing of the two and is usually the first to investigate something new, particularly when food might be involved. Poppy is more reserved and prefers to take her time before joining in, usually with Blossom close by.
They are particularly popular with younger clients and may join sessions for feeding, gentle handling, care activities, or simply some quiet company. Interacting with Blossom and Poppy can provide a natural way to support emotional regulation, build confidence and trust, while practising gentle and responsive communication, developing awareness of another’s needs and boundaries. Despite their small size, both have plenty of personality, especially when they decide it is time to eat or cuddle!
Obi
Ragdoll | Born July 2026
Obi is our Ragdoll kitten and one of the younger members of Sisu & Sage Psychology.
True to his breed, he is incredibly affectionate and people-oriented. Ragdolls are often described as being a little more like dogs than cats in the way they seek out company and follow their people around, and Obi certainly seems to fit that description.
There's still plenty of cat in our Obi though, he's curious and incredible agile! When he isn't looking for affection, he can usually be found running up and down the stairs, exploring the clinic with the pitter patter of tiny feet, or watching the birds outside from one of his many carefully selected window perches.
Obi likes to know what's happening and is likely to be around to greet you in the waiting room when you arrive. He is still young and finding his place at Sisu & Sage, so his involvement in sessions will develop naturally as he grows. For now, he is equally happy being involved, observing from nearby, or finding a sunny, comfortable spot to settle while we work.