Super Storylines

Mama Rosie is a super dog from Woofenwag. She has healing & infinite birthing powers. She uses telepathy to talk to her pups from any place. But she wasn’t always a super. Here’s how it happened:

Founder Story

In 2019, caped co-founder Steve Coonan & his accredited therapy dog, Rose, set out to make days more rosy. Starting at assisted living facilities, they both felt the magic of their work. As their visits increased, so did their notoriety and impact. Yet, before long, Rose could barely get to everyone in her volunteer window, decreasing their overall therapy impact and street cred.

Weeks later, Steve thought to himself, "How can we increase our net impact when we’re gone especially for those with dementia? Maybe we could leave behind something to remind them of us, give them peace or give a quick smile instead of a frown.” Then, it hit him like a ton of pillows…plush puppy toys that look just like Rose! Days later, thousands were ordered for Minneapolis, MN.

After months of waiting for Rose’s “babies” to arrive from the world’s most trusted plush toy producer, they were finally delivered. These gifts helped seniors remember that we had been there, that were coming back & that “Rose Petting” could be performed on her gifts in between. Steve still felt like there was more these products and services could do for more people going through pain.

So he thought to himself again. “Who loves toys most? Well, duh, kids of course!” So, next, the duo set out to visit and gift their pups to pediatric patients and other at-risk youth. After meeting all these kids, they discovered how super, tough & brave they were. It’s here that Steve’s mind shifted their real-life story to a place of make-believe - to help kids believe in themselves:

…After all their hard work and thoughtfulness, the universe-renowned Planet Woofenwag Superhero Alliance contacted Rose & Steve to help them exponentially grow their impact. In doing so, they granted them new magic superpowers, capes & hero names. Alas, alongside Super Steve & his wife Kaptain Kaylee, our once-basic-therapy-dog-now-super-dog Mama Rosie is on a heroic path to make kids feel super & shine bright!

Key: Make-Believe To Believe

  • As part of her superpowers, Mama Rosie & her pups are able to talk to each other from anywhere through their minds. This allows our pups to be insiders on our BFFs. They report on their brave behavior, tough news and/or success stories through pediatric trauma.

  • At the back end, it allows parents, families or PCAs know that therapy will continue long after our visit. It distracts them when we exchange their pets on Rose for their own make-believe tactile pet to hug anytime they need.

  • The exchange and the on-going interaction resonates with our BFFs and their families.

    Giving our brave BFFs hope is everything.

The Super Squad

  • Kaylee Coonan

    Executive Director

  • Steve Coonan

    Director of Operations

  • Rose Coonan

    Canine Co-Founder

A non-profit powered by puppy love.

  • Our mission as a dual therapy dog + gift-giving play therapy organization, is to make the world brighter and its people stronger, specifically its at-risk kids & seniors.

  • With the power of pups, we pair actual therapy dog visits (from Mama Rosie) with the gifting of her plush toys (RosiePups). We create a therapy experience that resonates long after visits end.

  • We serve at-risk youth and, to a limited degree, seniors. These participants, known as our BFFs, embody what it is to be superhuman. In turn, they give Mama Rosie her magic superpowers.

  • Our tax-exempt EIN is 822775051. We incorporated in Minnesota in 2018. We currently take in less than $55k/year; we currently file 990-EZs.