A therapy dog is a dog that brings comfort to its handler or owner while they are experiencing a medical or psychological crisis by allowing itself to be petted, or remaining close to the individual until they are calm and well again.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish[]
Perrito's lifelong dream is to become a therapy dog. He shares this dream with Puss in Boots, and encourages Puss to try it out by rubbing his belly. When Puss vehemently declines, preferring to be left alone, Perrito respects his wishes.
Later, while fleeing the Jack Horner Pie Co. with the Map to the Wishing Star, Perrito introduces himself to Kitty Softpaws as Puss' best friend and his therapy dog, both of which Puss denies. Kitty tells Puss he could use some therapy.
After a confrontation with Death, Perrito follows him into the Dark Forest and finds Puss in the throes of a panic attack. Worried, he asks what's wrong, but gets no response from Puss. He then lays down next to the hyperventilating cat and rests his head on Puss's chest until Puss's breathing slows down.
It is then that Puss confesses his fear of Death and his leaving Kitty at the altar of Santa Coloma. Perrito advises Puss to tell her the truth about his nine lives and his regrets over Santa Coloma, saying it might make both of them feel better.
Trivia[]
- Perrito's instinctive reaction to Puss's panic attack mimics what real therapy dogs are trained to do for people facing such episodes; namely, lying on the patient's chest and putting pressure on it to aid in regulating their breathing (aka "deep pressure therapy").