Rutabaga "Ruty" Mazza

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Woof! My name is Ruty (short for Rutabaga), and I am a professional smile-maker! My mom says I have the sweetest soul and the biggest heart.

I love visiting my friends at work, giving gentle kisses, and getting all the scratches behind the ears. When I’m not working, I love long walks, chasing my cat sister, and chewing/hiding my favorite bone. I don't know if the humans I live with will ever find the socks I steal... Let’s spread some pawsitivity! ✨

Therapy dogs provide significant physical and emotional benefits by lowering stress hormones (cortisol), reducing blood pressure, and releasing calming neurotransmitters like oxytocin and dopamine. They offer non-judgmental companionship that reduces anxiety, eases depression, alleviates physical pain, and improves social interaction in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.