The Bright Spot Therapy dogs were the center of attention at Starbucks coffee shop’s Coffee with Canines in Granby center on Feb. 28 from 2 to 4 in the afternoon. The dogs’ owners frequently stop at the coffee shop after their weekly sessions with the dogs at Bradley International Airport, and the folks at Starbucks thought it would be fun to invite the dogs in so people could get to meet them and learn a bit about what therapy dogs do.
In addition to being present at the airport, where they calm nerves and help travelers to relax a bit while waiting for their flights, the dogs also visit Kelly Lane and Wells Road schools, where the children might read to them and learn dog-handling tips. They also visit the high school to calm nerves during exam times. One parent recently said, “My son had a really bad day; he wished the dogs were there.” The afternoon time slot meant that a lot of highschoolers at Starbucks’ were pleasantly surprised to find the familiar furry trio greeting them.
The staff at Starbucks was really into this special meet and greet day. They prepared special coffees for the humans (Starbarks and Wiggle Butt) and offered their delicious brownie treats. Visitors who had dogs and children at home were offered dog treats for their “fur children” and coloring kits for their human children.
The Bright Spot dogs at Starbucks and their owners were Deja, Willie and Rambler; their owners, respectively, are Paula Johnson and Sally King of Granby, and Karyn Cordner of Simsbury. Deja and Willie are Australian Shepherds and Rambler is a German Shepherd. Deja is 10 years old; Willie and Rambler are each 4 years old. King and Cordner have been doing the airport gig since November 2017; Johnson joined them a year later.
To find out more about Bright Spot and what training is involved in becoming a therapy dog, visit bright-spot.org
A staff member wore a special skirt for the occasion. 
One of many photo ops in which the dogs participated. 
The Starbucks staff got to pose with the dogs before the crowd arrived.