As the first week of the Fall semester came to a close, Pioneer Pet Therapy commemorated the new academic beginning with an event to welcome students. Held at the Student Union in Hubbard Hall, dogs Scout and Giselle were surrounded by students embracing them. The first of many events planned for the duration of semester, the pet therapy program has grown in popularity since its founding in 2021.
“[In the beginning] we started as a wellness program that we wanted to implement, recognizing the benefits of animal assisted interventions,” stated Amy Allison, who serves as one of the coordinators for the Pet Therapy program. Sitting across from Giselle, both her and her dog’s kindness offered a comfort into the room that is often overshadowed by the anxieties of school responsibilities. “We wanted to be able to provide these opportunities, working with pet organizations in the past, but many were busy. With many events, [the organizations’] availability for Texas Woman’s University was realistically only about one or twice a semester. We wanted to provide something larger.”
Amy contacted her alma mater for advice on introducing on-campus pet therapy programs at TWU. “They [her university] were helpful at giving us structure, as well as speaking with Pet Partners. This [management] sets the standards, as well as a handler course which includes policies and procedures. We go through an evaluation process as a team, making sure that we can implement positive interventions. Through this, we are all registered therapy dogs, therefore all handlers and dogs can serve the community through this [non-profit organization]. All the handlers are TWU faculty and staff members, and the dogs are ours which introduces a special connection by being able to serve in this capacity.”
Corresponding with Pioneer Pet Therapy is the introduction of the HEART program with TWU Police department. HEART or Healing Emotional Assistance Response Team consists of two trained emotional support animals, Birdie and Minnie, both of whom are owned by TWU police officers. The initiative of this newly introduced program is to reduce intimidation associated with police intervention, offer alternative options for students in need of emotional support, and provide solace during difficult situations upon request.
Chief Samuel Garrison, founder of the program and a handler alongside Minnie, is tremendously passionate at this newfound implementation of the program. He hopes to offer a variety of holistic options rather than only utilizing enforcement in police work. “The hesitation habitually associated with police is something that I have been aware of during my time as an officer. When someone passes or is near a police officer, many are afraid. However, therapy dogs can break the barrier of reluctance to police. I am here to help whoever I can, even if it’s one person. Being present includes emotional assistance, and if I cannot offer that I hope Minnie and Birdie can.”
Operating parallel to one another, both Pioneer Pet Therapy and the HEART program are certified through Pet Partners. The process of confirming the dogs as therapeutic includes rigorous evaluation of the dog and handler’s ability to serve. For instance, both Chief Garrison and Sgt. Scott Fleitman and their dogs went through K-9 Good Citizens tests, American Kennel Club certifications, and insurance to provide maximum psychological care to anyone, not only throughout TWU, but the entire Denton community.
“If Denton PD asks for any assistance with emotional care, we will try to be of service twenty four hours a day. Aiding in emphasizing the feeling of safety not commonly associated with police, is the entire objective. In all instances, crime, domestic violence, stress on police officers, children intervention, there are a variety of ways that [therapy dogs] can help.”
Minnie and Birdie can be seen across campus, including emerging for duty during move-in at Parliament Village. Likewise, Minnie and Birdie are available for events at TWU, soon delivering an appearance with the Biology department. Both dogs will be available for students, faculty and staff, and officers.
“We will go to you. Birdie offers support, enrichment and life,” Garrison stated. “There is more to policing than enforcement, and if this can help anyone, the program reached its initiative. She is there to be pet, loved, and can be approached by anyone. During holidays, housing move-ins, student organizations and helping with academic burnout, Birdie[and Minnie] is available.”
For the month of September, three events are planned, including honoring Suicide Prevention day as well as National Walk Your Dog week. Both dogs from Pioneer Pet Therapy and HEART will be present. “I am so excited to see this program grow, we started off with seven events a year and last year we did twenty six,” Amy stated. “We see a high volume of attendance at events, and many return. One of my favorite things is when students recognize me on campus and I am approached by ‘Are you the huskies mom?’ and it is the highest honor. At times you can tell when students are stressed coming in, and interacting with a dog brightens them. You can sense a shift in everyone, a ‘good vibe’ throughout the room.”
Annalise Soto-serrano can be reached via email at asotoserrano@twu.edu
Read Annalise’s last story here.
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