If you know Katie Snezhkova, Director of Resident Services for The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), then you know about her love for dogs and you’ve likely met Yuki, her four-year-old Great Pyrenees and favorite furry companion. But you may not know the full story of how Yuki found his way into her life, his journey to becoming a therapy dog or the important role he plays at the OAW community and beyond. We sat down with Katie (and Yuki) to learn more about this dynamic therapy duo.
How did your story with Yuki begin?
Yuki originally came to me as a foster dog. When I came across his post at Dallas Animal Services (DAS) about him needing a temporary home, I knew I could help. Yuki left DAS on June 23, 2024, at two years old. He was just a frightened pup who had already experienced a lot of trauma in a short amount of time. I knew he would need patience, care and a lot of love to help him heal and eventually find his forever family. What I didn’t realize at the time was that Yuki had already found his home, with me.
How did your experience with fostering shape your journey with Yuki?
I took my first foster in 2017 while I was living in Houston. Hurricane Harvey had just devastated the city and there was a huge need for fosters due to so many pets being displaced. Since then, I’ve taken in 129 dogs! I continue because I know fostering animals saves their lives. It’s also incredibly rewarding to watch a scared and timid dog transform into the loving companion they were always meant to be.
How would you describe Yuki’s personality?
Yuki is a big, goofy personality wrapped in fur. He’s playful, curious and convinced that the world is his playground. At the same time, he’s affectionate, loyal and extremely sweet. He’s equal parts mischief and heart!
What inspired you to have Yuki become a certified therapy dog and how did he earn his certification?
Before Yuki, I had Missy, a certified therapy dog who retired after 10 years of service. After Missy’s retirement, I wanted to continue giving back to the community. Yuki, a fluffy bundle of love with the perfect balance of patience and playful quirkiness, quickly proved to be a natural fit for therapy training.
Becoming a certified therapy dog involves multiple steps. First, the dog must pass the Canine Good Citizen test. Yuki and I trained for about six months before he was ready to take the test. To earn his certification with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), we completed a multi-step process that included a background check, a temperament and handling assessment and three supervised visits. After successfully completing those, we were officially recommended for certification.
We’re also a part of Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs (HOTTD), a local group of ATD-certified handlers and dogs. While ATD is nationwide, HOTTD allows us to serve locally while still giving Yuki the opportunity to share his work across the country.
How have you seen Yuki make a difference at OAW?
Yuki has become a fixture at OAW, and Fridays are now known as “Yuki Friday.” People look forward to seeing him whether it’s for treats, cuddles or simply a puppy fix. He brings lots of energy and joy to the community and has even charmed prospective residents during marketing tours.
His presence encourages emotional well-being, promotes socialization and provides moments of comfort and happiness. In Assisted Living (AL), many residents light up when he enters the room and he helps ease anxiety. In Memory Support (MS), he sparks engagement. Those who are usually quiet may smile, talk to him or even sing or hum. One individual was even motivated to go on walks by holding Yuki’s leash. In Independent Living (IL), he encourages social interaction. A resident and her granddaughter make it a weekly tradition to stop by my office on Fridays just to spend time with him.
Yuki even participates in our teammate “Moments That Matter” morning meetings, happily making rounds for attention and cuddles. He’s truly become part of the team and sharing him with others is a pleasure!
What are some of Yuki’s talents?
Yuki has a variety of talents that delight residents during his visits. He enjoys doing tricks, his favorite one being “high five” or “give me ten.” He also has a natural ability to sense when someone needs extra comfort. He’ll gently nuzzle or sit close to someone who might be feeling lonely or anxious.
What types of visits does Yuki enjoy most and how does he handle his role?
Outside of OAW, Yuki visits the Allen Public Library, where children read to him each month. As a trained anxiety relief dog, he thrives in settings where he can help reduce stress, especially during school and college finals weeks. Because visits can be tiring, especially given his size and the level of interaction, we stick to one visit per day. This helps him stay happy, healthy and energetic.
What is a memory that stays with you?
When I first brought Yuki to Memory Support, a resident’s husband shared that his wife was very afraid of dogs. Yuki, being the big, fluffy dog that he is, can be intimidating to some at first, so I let her observe him from a distance. Over time, this resident touched his fur and eventually pet his head. Now, she eagerly reaches to pet him each visit! To me, that is the greatest reward, seeing a small but positive impact in someone’s life.
What keeps you motivated to volunteer with Yuki each week?
There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone light up when Yuki enters the room. Each visit is a reminder of the difference a loving companion can make. The bond we share makes every visit special and that’s what keeps me coming back.
By Amee McGough
