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A sweet story demonstrating a service dog's remarkable impact on a patient's emotional & physical health and visitors' state of mind, too.
BOOM! The doors swing open—and here comes Arya Bear.
She’s not here to do tricks.
She’s not here to talk.
She’s here to help—just by being exactly who she is.
With her pink bow, wild hair, and a tail that wags 100 miles per hour, Arya brings joy, calm, and just the right kind of chaos to the people who need it most.
Inspired by real-life visits, Arya Bear Adventures: Good Job, Arya! follows a registered therapy dog as she comforts kids and families during her hospital work. It’s a gentle, heartwarming story that helps young readers understand how dogs like Arya bring healing—just by showing up.
Written by Yup’ik author Miranda Miller and her 4-year-old co-author, P.J., this book blends real moments with playful energy. Perfect for ages 3–5, dog lovers, classrooms, and anyone who’s ever felt better just because a dog was there.
What is a therapy dog, and how does it differ from a service dog? Service dogs are trained to help one person with specific tasks, like guiding a blind person or alerting someone with diabetes when their blood sugar is high or low. On the other hand, therapy dogs help many people by providing comfort and companionship. These canine caretakers visit hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to help people feel calm, happy, and safe. Arya is an energetic therapy pooch who loves their job. Her tail moves at lightning speed, eager to help those in need. With a shake of her head, the pink ribbon falls, their hair poofs up, and many patients' low spirits are instantly lifted. And if Arya's wild fur and pink leg warmers don't cause you to smile, wait until she presents her belly and rolls back and forth. No one can resist the silly dog. Or can they? Has Arya finally met someone whose mood can't be lifted?
Arya notices a boy sitting all by themselves outside a hospital room. No tears. No smile. The therapy dog calmly approaches the quiet child and waits to see how the boy responds to them. Therapy animals enjoy making people feel better, so I imagine other canines would be just as confused as Arya when their presence and tricks appear to have no effect on the darling child. However, Arya's patience and dedication are unwavering. Her efforts were celebrated with smiles, laughter, and hugs, proving that patience is oftentimes the key to success and inspiring us all with her resilience.
Arya's visits play a vital role in a patient's recovery. Arya and other therapy dogs' visits can help lower stress, anxiety, and blood pressure while raising spirits. They, like doctors and nurses, are medical superheroes!
Good Job, Arya! is a cute, heartwarming story demonstrating service dogs' remarkable impact on a patient's emotional and physical health and even their visitors' state of mind. This story is perfect for dog owners or canine fans, medical waiting rooms, or anyone who needs a reason to smile today.
My recommended reading age is 2-7 years.
Reviewed by
I've been constructing reviews for over a decade and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Most of the reviews will be featured on my blog (Kam's Place), Pinterest, Instagram, BlueSky, and Goodreads. Don't forget to tip your waitress! :D
Synopsis
BOOM! The doors swing open—and here comes Arya Bear.
She’s not here to do tricks.
She’s not here to talk.
She’s here to help—just by being exactly who she is.
With her pink bow, wild hair, and a tail that wags 100 miles per hour, Arya brings joy, calm, and just the right kind of chaos to the people who need it most.
Inspired by real-life visits, Arya Bear Adventures: Good Job, Arya! follows a registered therapy dog as she comforts kids and families during her hospital work. It’s a gentle, heartwarming story that helps young readers understand how dogs like Arya bring healing—just by showing up.
Written by Yup’ik author Miranda Miller and her 4-year-old co-author, P.J., this book blends real moments with playful energy. Perfect for ages 3–5, dog lovers, classrooms, and anyone who’s ever felt better just because a dog was there.
About the author
Miranda Miller is a Yup’ik author, mom, and therapy dog handler from Alaska. Her Arya Bear series blends real hospital visits, Indigenous pride, and healing dog magic—written to uplift, comfort, and connect. Every book reflects her mission to make a lasting impact through story. view profile
Published on July 01, 2025
0-1000 words
Genre: Picture Books
Reviewed by
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