Every Wednesday from six to seven, Indiana Wesleyan University partners with Love on a Leash to bring therapy dogs to campus. There are typically two to three volunteers a week, who bring in their certified therapy dogs to The Hub here on campus.
Lisa Huber, a volunteer through Love on a Leash, said she brings her dog Zoe to campus weekly. Zoe has been working as a service animal for about a year.
Some of the owners have multiple service animals in their care. Huber said she also brings in her dog Emma to interact with the students.
Dogs are not put into therapy dog training until they are at least a year old, but the organization recommends that dogs have basic obedience training prior to their service training. The dogs must complete a test to become certified, then they must complete ten one-hour sessions with another certified professional.
Huber said her favorite part of bringing her dogs onto campus is the friendships and connections the dogs, owners, and students get to make.
“There are students who will come every week, because they love the dogs,” Huber said. “Students have a range of reactions to the dogs; we’ve had hysterical laughter, breakdowns, and tears.”
Megan McAdams, a 2011 alumnus, also brings her dog, Heath, on Wednesday nights. McAdams said when Heath was at a trunk or treat event, she discovered he was quite social.
McAdams stated that there is no age limit to when a dog can begin obedience training. Heath did not begin the therapy dog training until he was 5 years old.
Student Mackenzie High said that she discovered that the therapy dogs come on Wednesdays, simply, from hanging out in the Hub so much.
“It’s just a happy time of day, students can show up and pet the puppies, or have a break from their homework, and the dogs are always so happy to see them. It creates a positive environment,” High said.
IWU students are welcome to come see the dogs in The Hub on Wednesday nights from six to seven.
