Who We Are
- Therapy Animal Stars
  
  We are a group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about therapy animal services and benefits they bring to individuals in our communities.
- Who We Are
Become a Team
- Wanted! More Teams
  
  We are looking for more therapy animal teams to join us. If you are interested in forming wonderful friendships, making treasured memories & finding personal fulfillment then you are in the right place!
- Become a Team
Our Animals
- Leaving Paw Prints
  
  A therapy animal is a specially trained animal that partners with its human handler to volunteer at a variety of facilities and events, bringing joy, comfort, and companionship to those they meet.
- Our Animals
In the News
- Therapy Animal Tales
  
  Read about the great work our teams are doing out in the field and stay up to date on what’s happening with the North Star Therapy Animals organization.
  
  Have a great story to share? Send us a note and let us know!
- In the News
  - In the News
Request a Visit
- We’d Love To Visit!
  
  Invite us over to bring happiness, companionship and courage to the people you work with.
- Request a Visit
Members
- Membership Has Benefits
  
  Being a North Star Therapy Animal member has many benefits. You witness people make amazing transformations, your relationship with your animal grows and you also get to see what’s in this section!
- Members
  - Member Login
Contact
- Hello There!
  
  Want to learn more about North Star Therapy Animals? Fill out the contact form and we will get back to you.
- Contact Us
Crisis Response

Ballad

Handler Name: Patti Anderson
Visiting Team Since: 01/2008

Ballad is a Cairn Terrier, also known as a “Toto” dog (the same breed that starred in the Wizard of Oz!). He has been volunteering in the Polytrauma and Spinal Cord Injury units doing Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis since 2012.

For a little dog he has a big heart! Patti says Ballad loves his work at the VA and wears his red, white, and blue bandana with pride!