Bell flopped on the floor, eyebrows slightly arched, as Toby circled around her with his tail wagging.
The 11-year-old rescue and 18-month-old Goldendoodle were meeting for the first time at the University of Colorado’s Center for Community on a recent afternoon, and they are among the university’s newest therapy providers.
At the beginning of November, CU launched a canine-assisted therapy pilot program. Toby, the Goldendoodle with curlicue fur, a plaid bandana and a matching green vest, visits with students and their therapists on Tuesdays. Bell, the rescue with large brown eyes and a red collar that reads “Therapy Dog,” visits on Thursdays.
Both lean their bodies into your knees while you sit, and they’re meant to bring comfort to students who might otherwise feel uncomfortable in therapy.
“Dogs have been included in therapy for a while,” said Monica Ng, the director of counseling and psychiatric services. “This is not a brand-new idea, but we’re really excited to be able to bring them in.”
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