Paws on the Ground: Farm Bureau’s Therapy Dogs

Did you know that Farm Bureau Financial Services has a few four-legged volunteer employees? Our Therapy Dog Program was introduced in 2018 and continues to grow. In the aftermath of tornadoes and other severe weather disasters, our therapy canines and members of our Catastrophe Response Team (CAT Team), are ready at a moment’s notice. While the CAT Team gets to work assessing property and processing claims, the response canines focus on providing emotional support. Our therapy dogs provide comfort and soothe client/members – especially kids – after a natural disaster strikes. You can also find these hardworking dogs spreading joy out in the community at local events and organizations. 

Meet Our Therapy Dog Teams

Rosio and Luna, South Dakota

Rosio serves as the South Dakota Business Center Director and has been with Farm Bureau for 13 years. Luna is a 4-year-old English White Labrador who was born in Manhattan, KS. Luna loves walks, playing fetch, food, treats (especially peanut butter), swimming and long car rides. She is a smart and easy-going pup who makes friends (human and canine) everywhere she goes! 

Chief, Murphy and Tracy, Iowa

Tracy, Chief and Murphy make up our only dual-dog team! Tracy is an Applications Engineer and has been with Farm Bureau for 26 years.

Chief is a 11-year-old rescued Black Labrador Retriever and has been a therapy dog for 5 years. He visits high schools and colleges to help children and young adults cope with the stress of finals week, and also stops by nursing homes and hospitals for visits. 

Murphy recently joined his older brother as part of the Therapy Dog Program. He is a 1-year-old Shichon (Shih Tzu/Bichon Frise). Murphy regularly visits Methodist Hospital and Blank Children’s Hospital. When not doing his part to spread joy, he loves playing in the yard with his dog siblings, zooming around the house and snuggling. 

Chief, Murphy and Tracy enjoy camping together and hanging out with family.

Bentlee and Daykota, Iowa

Daykota is an Instructional Designer and has been with Farm Bureau for over 4 years. Bentlee Rose is a 6-year-old Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix. Daykota got Bentlee when Bentlee was just 6 weeks old. Bentlee and Daykota volunteer for the ARL TheraPets Program; they visit high schools that are experiencing stress and trauma, adult living homes and fundraising events. Both Daykota and Bentlee find it very rewarding to give back to others through therapy work. Some of Bentlee’s favorite things to do outside her work as a therapy dog include playing with bubbles, going for walks and playing frisbee with Daykota.

 Willow and Michele, Nebraska

Michele is a Claims Specialist and has been with Farm Bureau for 6 years. Willow is a 2-year old Golden Retriever. Outside of their work at Farm Bureau, Michele and Willow volunteer with Domesti-Pups; they visit local nursing homes, memory care facilities, hospitals, universities and local organizations that request therapy visits for their employees. At home Willow loves playing with her fur brother Axyl, going on walks and spending time doing anything involving water. She is very treat-motivated and so far hasn’t met a treat she doesn’t love! 

Maddi and Mesa, South Dakota

Maddi is an Ag Marketing Underwriter and has been with Farm Bureau for 2 years. Mesa is a 3-year-old Toy Australian Shepherd.  Mesa enjoys hiking, traveling to rodeos and playing fetch. She also loves her weekly trip to Starbucks for a puppacino!

All six of these teams are ready to help provide comfort to our client/members. They also have provided these downloadable coloring pages for a fun family activity!