Gecko
Support Dog Working Alongside Grant Coupland
Comfort • Connection • A Calming Presence
Gecko helps create a calm, welcoming environment for clients who may feel nervous, overwhelmed or unsure about beginning counselling. He is available for select in-person sessions with Grant in Cochrane.
Book With GrantMeet Gecko
Calm, Compassionate and Always Nearby
Gecko is a Yellow Labrador and Golden Retriever cross who works alongside Grant during select in-person counselling sessions. He loves being close to people and is often happiest sitting quietly beside someone or curling up nearby.
Gecko has a natural ability to notice when someone may need extra comfort. His calm presence can help make the counselling room feel more relaxed and welcoming, especially for clients who feel anxious, overwhelmed or unsure about opening up.
He has supported first responders following difficult incidents and worked alongside Grant in a school setting with students from kindergarten through Grade 12. Gecko connects especially well with children and adults who are neurodivergent or who may benefit from a quieter, lower-pressure way to settle into the room.
How Gecko Supports the Room
Gecko does not replace the counselling process. His role is to help create an environment where clients may feel safer, calmer and more at ease while working with Grant.
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01
A Calmer Start
His quiet presence can help reduce some of the tension that may come with entering a counselling space for the first time.
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02
Comfort Without Pressure
Clients can sit near Gecko, pet him or simply have him nearby without needing to interact with him directly.
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03
Natural Connection
Gecko can provide an easy point of connection when talking feels difficult, particularly for boys, teens and neurodivergent clients.
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04
Steady Support
During emotional or challenging conversations, his calm companionship may help the room feel more grounded and manageable.
From Puppy
to Partner
Gecko comes from the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program in Oakville, Ontario. He spent his first year with a foster family, learning basic obedience and socialization skills, before completing formal training and being matched with Grant.
Grant then travelled to Oakville for a week-long training program to learn how to work with Gecko and understand his needs. The Foundation continues to support their partnership and provides an annual home visit with a trainer.
Gecko’s name was chosen by the Foundation. Dark spots from his Labrador genetics show through his yellow coat in a pattern that reminded them of a gecko—and the name stuck. He is the third dog guide Grant’s family has received through the Foundation during more than a decade of involvement with the program.
Interested in a Session With Gecko?
Book an in-person counselling session with Grant in Cochrane and let the MFM team know that you would like Gecko to be part of your visit.