Bailey at Animal Angels Foundation- Bal Kalyan

Hi there! I’m Bailey. I may look like your average fluffy golden retriever with an extra waggy tail, but I’ve got an official job—yup, I’m a certified therapy dog! My mission? To spread love, calmness, and joy to some of the bravest little humans out there.

Every week, I work at a very special place called Bal Kalyan, a magical recreational center for children with special needs right here in Pune. Schools from all across the city come here once a week, and when they do, I get to meet the most wonderful kids, each one unique, strong, and full of surprises.

I start my day with the usual stretching, a dramatic yawn, and a few tail wags (okay, maybe a lot). After some belly rubs from my parents and a nice breakfast, it’s time to get dressed. I have a special vest I wear for therapy sessions—it’s my superhero cape.

Soon, my pet handler arrives with the therapy team, and I do my excited-dog dance as we head out. I love car rides. There’s just something about sticking my nose out the window, sniffing the air, and knowing I’m on my way to do something meaningful.

As we pull up, I can already feel the excitement. Every day, a new group of students from a school in Pune visits. These children are neurodivergent—some are on the autism spectrum, others have ADHD, and many have unique sensory needs. But no matter what, they all have one thing in common: they deserve to feel loved, safe, and free to be themselves.

I walk in with my team of professionals: therapists, special educators, and handlers who guide us through every session. It’s always a group effort! Some children are a bit nervous when they see me at first. That’s okay. I lie down quietly, wagging gently. It doesn’t take long before someone reaches out to stroke my head or hold my paw. And that’s when the magic begins.

Here’s the thing: every session is different. But no matter what we do, I get to be right in the middle of it all. Children sit beside me with storybooks. They read aloud, show me pictures, or just sit with me quietly while flipping pages. I listen very seriously and maybe doze off a little, but only because it’s relaxing! I'm their no-judgment zone, their cheer squad, their fluffy friend who helps them feel confident.

Oh, the colors! Sometimes, we do art together. The children paint, draw, and explore textures, and I get involved too. My handler helps them make prints using my paw. These kids? Super imaginative. We sometimes act out scenes with me playing different roles: a wise dog, a superhero sidekick, or just “Bailey the Brave.” I don’t have many lines, but my expressions say a lot.

Some children like pressing their palms into my fur or brushing me gently. Others just like sitting quietly next to me. I become their anchor, something steady and safe. There are even special brushing and grooming activities, where children learn to care for me gently. In return, I give them lots of love and maybe try to lick their hands a little.

As the day comes to a close, we gather for a group photo. I sit in the center, tail wagging, ears perked, surrounded by my new friends. The smiles in that moment? Brighter than any sunshine. And then it’s time to say goodbye.

Therapy dogs know a great deal about attachment. I may not speak your language, but I feel everything. And endings are always a little heavy. But I remind myself—I’ll see more children next week, and I’ll keep doing what I do best. Being a therapy dog is more than just belly rubs and ear scratches (though I enjoy those). It’s about showing up, every time, with calm eyes and an open heart. It’s about helping children feel safe, accepted, and celebrated.

So that’s my day at Bal Kalyan. New kids. New joys. Same mission: to spread pawsitivity, one wag at a time. Love (and a gentle lick), Bailey