Miski
Miski is our lovable Sheepadoodle and an important part of the Summit Therapy Center team. Her name comes from the Quechua word “miski,” meaning honey or sweet, which fits her perfectly; although she would probably argue that “professional treat collector” is a more accurate title.
Miski joins sessions only when children and families feel comfortable having her there. She is playful, intelligent, gentle, and always willing to participate, especially when snacks are involved. She knows several tricks and often gives children a natural way to practice patience, communication, empathy, boundaries, confidence, and emotional regulation without it feeling like “work.”
We believe animals can offer children a powerful first experience of safe connection. Sometimes trusting another person feels too big at first, but sitting beside a calm dog, offering her a treat, teaching her a trick, or simply noticing that she is happy to see you can make connection feel much more manageable. Through relationships with animals, children can begin practicing attachment, trust, caregiving, reading social cues, respecting boundaries, and experiencing unconditional acceptance. Those small moments can become a bridge toward building stronger relationships with people.
Miski’s therapeutic philosophy is fairly simple: show up, stay curious, offer comfort, make people laugh, and never underestimate what can be accomplished with a well-timed treat.