Raava
(2010-2021)
House Dog
“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them.”
Raava (rhymes with "lava") was our furry Mandala House companion from when we first opened our doors in 2016 until March 2021. She loved being part of the Mandala House community and was often seen greeting patients in the waiting areas and hallways (when she wasn’t checking the kitchen floor for remnants of staff lunches!). She was a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle mix rescued from Louisville Metro Animal Services after being relinquished by her previous owner. She didn't shed, but she was known to leave her toys scattered around on occasion.
While her background is unknown, her gentle nature and desire to be connected with humans made her a wonderful companion during therapy. Patients could invite her on the couch with them and some found that petting Raava was soothing and eased distress when discussing difficult material.
Raava liked to look after the house and make friends. She was often the first to greet visitors with a bark or the quiet pitter-patter down the stairs (we prefered the latter). She weighed in at 6 lbs. and was sweet as can be. She made fast friends, welcomed attention, and loved to be petted, but she left you alone if you prefered it that way.
Raava is deeply missed by staff and patients and she will always be the Original House Dog of Mandala House. Someday we may welcome a new House Dog into the space, and despite Raava’s tiny paws, that dog will have big shoes to fill.
