As students navigate the pressures of academic life, a new initiative is bringing a dose of joy and companionship to the campus. With their wagging tails and happy smiles, these four-legged friends are here not only to be petted and adored. They are here to help create a sense of community and reduce stress among students. Scout, Copper, Mocha, Teddy and Starla are welcome to all pets.
Schoolcraft College President, Dr. Glen Cerny, expressed the idea of bringing comfort dogs on campus to the Schoolcraft College police department last year. He expressed how having a dog’s presence on campus would make the environment more welcoming and relaxed for the students. With the stress students place upon themselves, they could use something to brighten their day. The police department adapted this plan at once. They discovered a breeder for Labrador Retrievers in Canada and made a request for five black Labs. Soon after, their request was granted.
Once the pups were born, they were trained by the breeder for twelve weeks before getting to come home. From the litters, the five were chosen for their sociable and extraverted traits. Once they were initially trained by their breeder on simple commands, they traveled from Canada to Livonia, Michigan with their Police Officer Handlers, where they underwent special comfort dog training at Off-Leash K-9 Training in Farmington Hills. The dogs learned obedience and continual command training. Apart from the dogs, their handlers also had to learn how to continue with the training while working on campus.
Since the dogs’ graduation from Off Leash K-9 on July 22, they have been adapting extremely well to their new home and have gotten a successful response from Schoolcraft students and faculty. When asked about the response level from the students to the new dogs on campus, Sgt. Murray stated, “They love them, and are so happy when they see them, they want to pet them and snuggle with them.”
The dogs have been extremely active in campus events since the start of the fall semester and have attended Ozzy Polooza, Touch-a-Truck and School Daze. The handlers have had requests almost everyday for classroom dog visits from instructors. Officer Murray explained, “We get many requests every week to have dogs come to classrooms and participate in various events”.
Once the dogs turn around a year old at the end of January, they will return to training to gain their therapy dog certification. The dogs will have to respond to forty-five obedience and patience commands before passing their test.
In the time working up to the test, their handlers are working diligently to prepare them. Each handler has a bright orange communication device connected to each dog’s collar, these devices provide a small buzz, which feels like a small vibration to the dogs. They do not harm the dogs in any way, and are used for obedience training.
The handlers want to remind everyone that the dogs are still in training and are easily distracted, so it is best to ask if they can be petted beforehand. This is only so they are able to gain control and have them in a comfortable position. The dog’s job is to bring you and others comfort, so do not be afraid to ask to pet them. However, they are not to receive treats that are not issued by the handlers. They are on diets and feeding schedules, and the safety of the dogs is their top priority.
Wagging Wednesdays
The dogs will be in the Student Activities Center every Wednesday for Wagging Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and socialize with the dogs.
If you would like to schedule a visit to your office or class, email the handlers at [email protected]. There are some days and times the dogs may not be available for a visit, however the handlers work hard to accommodate every request
