Congratulations to the winner of the 2023 Pet of the Year competition

Rye Guy

Rye Guy and his human partner Lindsey raised more than $14,000 to support Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program.

Fun Facts about our 2023 Pet of the Year:

• Rye and Lindsey are a registered therapy animal team and Rye has been a therapy dog since 2019.
• Rye has the highest AKC trick dog title of Trick Dog Performer Elite and hosts trick dog shows for in-patient children at the hospital.
• Rye is a champion agility dog and has the highest disc dog title of Disc Dog Unobtanium.
• Rye is a fast competitor in dog sports, but turns into a couch potato when he is home.
  
• Favorite Toys: stuffed caterpillar, tennis balls, and a Jollyball soccer ball.
• Favorite Activity: making people smile (especially children) at therapy animal visits. Sharing his love and adventures on social media @ryeguy0122.
• Rye loves to cuddle especially at the beginning of bedtime.
• Rye's mom, Jive, is also a registered therapy dog and Animal-Assisted Crisis Response team with Pet Partners.

Rye’s focus as a therapy animal is in various areas.

• Mayo Clinic - Caring Canines Program (since 2019): At the in-patient Psychiatry Unit, Rye performs trick dog shows for 5-17 year-old children on a regular basis. The childrenget to see his fancy tricks and even try to do some with him! At the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Rye provides animal-assisted interventions (AAI) during physical therapy (PT) for patients in stroke rehabilitation. Rye is included in the PT exercises and activities in various ways from retrieving a ball, hiding for hide-and-seek activities, walking on a leash, and more. In the Pediatric Unit, Rye performs trick dog shows for pediatric patients and allows patients and their families to try the tricks with him.
• Rochester (MN) International Airport - Caring Tails Program (since 2019): Rye greets passengers before and after their flights by providing joy and comfort while traveling. He even spends time with the TSA staff!