ESA Available To Students
As the end of Quarter One approaches, Luther students are preparing for finals amidst a global pandemic and a national election. In order to reduce stress during finals, Luther Emerita Ellen Drewes-Stoen and her husband, Assistant Director of Safety and Security, Erik Stoen, plan to make their therapy dog, Quasar, available to Luther students during finals and upon request.
Emotional support animals (ESAs), which must be legally prescribed by a licensed mental health professional, refer to dogs and other pets that provide emotional support and comfort to their owners on a daily basis. Although there is mixed research about the benefits of an ESA, Sadie Baker (‘21), Lead Outreach Specialist at Counseling Services, believes that support animals are a calming and positive influence for people who struggle with anxiety and loneliness.
“The overall benefit of having [ESAs] is that, usually, those types of animals are supposed to bring a kind of calming presence,” Baker said. “Basically, that [“hugging hormone”] just makes us feel a lot better and alleviates those symptoms of being lonely or feeling anxious and sad. Also, I mean, who doesn’t like having just a dog or a cat to pet?”
Residents on campus are prohibited from having pets in their dorms, except for those who have a mental illness diagnosis and have an ESA letter. However, Ellen Drewes-Stoen and Eric Stoen are planning to make their therapy dog, Quasar, available to Luther students in the coming weeks.
Drewes-Stoen is a professional dog trainer, and has shown dogs for over 30 years. Quasar is her most recent furry companion. He is a a Schapendoes (Dutch Sheepdog), and was certified with the Alliance for Therapy Dogs (ATD).
“I taught at Luther for 40 years, and many students had the opportunity to meet one or more of our dogs,” Drewes-Stoen said. “Those visits and interactions were always positive; students could get a ‘dog fix,’ and of course, relax, pet, and laugh! In many cases, the dogs served as a catalyst for good conversation, and smiles.”
As a person who advocates having more therapy dogs on campus, Director of Counseling Services Meg Hammes (‘91) shared her excitement in response to this new project.
“I’m super excited about Erik and Ellen having their dog become a therapy dog [on campus],” Hammes said. “That is something that has been a goal on campus for a while. There are some policies about what animals could be on campus. We’ve been looking for and have really been trying to increase opportunities for students to have access to animals. It’s exciting that we have finally had somebody who is able to do that for us.”
Baker and Sarah Edgington (‘24) both have therapy cats as their ESAs, and say that having an ESA is a helpful and positive experience. Edgington shared her thoughts on the matter.
“One thing I’ve noticed that I can take breaks while studying, and being with the ESA is really helpful for relieving pressure and stress,” Edgington said. “My friends also love to come and give Angel [ESA cat] hugs, so many other people also benefit from having an ESA.”
According to Hammes, some Luther students have an ESA, but there are not many of them. The majority of pet sources on campus are the hall directors, and students can get access to those pets as well. Meg Hammes explained that the process of getting an allowance to have an ESA in dorm rooms is to go through the Center for Academic Enrichment and Disability Services, along with Residence Life Services.
As for ESA dog Quasar, Baker thinks that this project will be helpful, as long as it is done with respect to COVID-19 guidelines. Luther students can expect more information about Quasar in the coming week.
“I definitely think it would be a good distraction,” Baker said. “I feel like sometimes we, as students, we’re so involved in a busy culture where we try to do and do and do. It’s so important to take breaks.”
Those interested in aquiring an ESA should contact Disability Services. Students must submit documentation of their disability and of an ESA need from their healthcare provider for review. If approved after an interview process with DS, the Residence Life office will have 60 days to provide options to students.
For those who do not qualify for an ESA, keep an eye out for Quasar around campus.
“When you see a happy black dog whose tail is always wagging, feel free to ‘ask to pet.’” Drewes-Stoen said. “Quasar, ‘the traveling Star’ will happily oblige and share with you his repertoire of tricks!”
SWMC Gets A Therapy Dog
At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic only adds to stress levels on a college campus, Sadie the golden retriever is providing some much-needed joy to students and staff at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
She is the college’s new therapy dog. “Since she’s been on campus, you kind of see that light in people’s eyes,” said Samantha Robinson, SMWC associate director of campus life, and Sadie’s owner. “It’s really helped lighten the spirits and mood, especially since this has kind of not been the greatest year for everybody.”
The 4-year-old therapy dog has been visiting campus twice a week since the end of September, and the campus response has been enthusiastic. She’s even attended a few Student Senate meetings.
The college began exploring the idea of having a therapy dog last spring, Robinson said. “I said, ‘Sadie would be perfect. She is a golden retriever, very mellow and laid back. She loves attention,” both giving and receiving.
She and Sadie attended therapy dog readiness classes. Robinson, along with campus counselor Kalista Lawrence and campus life employee Lisa Behringer, have been certified to handle the friendly, laid-back pup during her visits to the WOODS.
Sadie comes to campus from 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and students are able to book 30-minute sessions with her through the Campus Counseling Center.
The staff may change Sadie’s “hours” next semester to times that may work better for students’ schedules. “We’re trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t,” Robinson said.
“She’s been doing great here,” and getting used to different settings, Robinson said. “She loves going over to Rooney Library because there are tons of students there and she really enjoys the interaction.”
On a recent Monday, Sadie was in Guerin Hall, where SMWC students and staff decorated a Christmas tree. At one point, an entire class of students came by.
“Sadie was looking at them and her tail was flapping on the floor and she wanted them to give her attention,” Robinson said. “She acts like she never gets it, but she does — she gets it all the time.”
Some students may only stop for a minute or two to greet and pet the happy golden, but as they go off to their next destination, “You can just tell they are in a much better mood,” Robinson said.
The college has several goals when it comes to the program, one being reducing stress and anxiety. The program also aims to create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere within the college campus.
A walk through campus showed Sadie is a popular girl.
At Guerin Hall, Mikayla Hudgens took time from decorating the Christmas tree to show some love to the reddish retriever with the wet nose and wagging tail.
Hudgens has dogs at home, and while she lives in the area, she’s busy with campus activities and doesn’t get home too much. “I miss them, but this is a way to get that interaction.”
At Rooney Library, Sadie eagerly visited Preston Mitchell, a freshman and business administration major from Ohio.
“We actually used to see Sadie at some of the meetings. It was pretty entertaining. We’re really happy that she’s here and that she’s able to be a resource for the students,” he said.
Sadie also can serve as a warm, welcoming “ice breaker” for those who may want counseling but have difficulty talking about certain things. “It’s a lot easier with a golden retriever around,” he said.
On her way across campus, Sadie met up with a group of students, including Brooke Andrus, a sophomore from Greenfield.
“I think it’s a really good resource. College can be really stressful, especially being away from home. We had therapy dogs at my high school, too. Having one on campus is super-helpful,” she said.
Also enjoying Sadie’s company was Manuel Lopez, who was back on campus after being hospitalized — the result of a serious car accident. He had many assignments to complete, but took a few minutes to enjoy Sadie’s welcoming eyes and calming demeanor.
Missing Therapy Dog
A Trail family is urging locals to keep their eyes peeled for Joy Joy, their beloved black cockapoo that went missing Nov. 1.
Right after Joy Joy disappeared near Woodland Drive in Glenmerry that Sunday, family and friends began a desperate search for her.
But she hasn’t been seen since. Now, they are offering a $500 reward for Joy Joy’s safe return, no questions asked.
Teresa Cragg-Crockett, owner of the four-year old cockapoo, says Joy Joy was out for her daily walk with the family’s other dog, near the green space across from Myer’s Roofing, a property on the outskirts of Glenmerry formerly known as Bryan’s Transfer.
On their usual outing, the dogs chase a ball and when it’s time to go home, back on the leashes they go.
This time, Joy Joy ran past and headed up toward Glenmerry between the houses on Woodland Drive.
Teresa’s partner called for the dog and waited, but Joy Joy never returned.
He then bolted home and immediately drove around the neighbourhood while Teresa walked the streets calling her name.
“There were lots of people cleaning their yards that day and no one saw her,” Teresa said. “I posted her missing on Facebook right away and lots of people are helping to look for her. Someone thought they saw her on the Snake Hill on November 1 around 6 p.m., so we went and searched but did not see her,” she said. “There have been no other sightings or leads.”
Teresa brought Joy Joy home as an eight-week old puppy for her daughter Jess, who is autistic.
Jess is really missing her dog, so Teresa is keeping up hope that someone will contact her with a sighting or lead.
“She has had her since she was a puppy and this dog taught her how to be kind to animals, among other things,” said Teresa. “One could say Joy was her therapy dog.”
When Joy Joy first went missing she had just had a grooming. Teresa says her black curly fur grows fast, so she may appear much more unkempt that her photo.
Southeastern Guide Dogs
What are Southeastern Guide Dogs most popular dog names?
Most guide dog organizations allow the honor of naming privileges to be bestowed upon the puppies going through training by people who donated a lot of money, so it isn’t exactly like there’s a set of rules to follow like with hurricanes, as it’s more up to the donor. So a lot of the time, names can overlap, or come from goodness knows where. The impawtant thing is that that’s the dog’s name, and so it isn’t really like a normal adoption where the new owner could change it if they wanted.
The Southeastern Guide Dogs blog recently recapped the top 10 most requested puppy names, while also noting that every letter of the alphabet has been used at some point (X has the least, with 14 dogs beginning with that letter).
The first Southeastern Guide Dogs canine was a black Labrador Retriever named Freedom, and the longest name that has been given was the regal-sounding Sir Maverick of Monaco.Southeastern Guide Dogs is located in in Palmetto, Florida, about 45 minutes south of the Tampa Bay area, and the school was founded in 1982. Their first graduation was held in February 1984, and since that time they’ve graduated more than 3,200 teams.
Firefighters battling California wildfires visited by Kerith the therapy dog
Battling wildfires can take an emotional and physical toll on firefighters, but a two-year-old golden retriever has come to rescue, relieving stress and providing comfort to firefighters on the front lines.
Kerith is a certified crisis response therapy animal through a nonprofit organization, Pet Partners. Kerith and her handler, Heidi Carman, started volunteering at MarinHealth Emergency and Trauma department to visit patients and staff members.
“Kerith would help people feel calm and relaxed in stressful situations,” said Carman. “Kerith has been helpful to so many people.”
Through Marin Health, Kerith became friends with local firefighter paramedics and started visiting fire departments before the coronavirus shutdown.
In mid-August a rare lightning storm struck the Bay Area causing a number of fires. Since then, Kerith has been visiting many fire base camps to provide comfort to firefighters.
“It was an extremely busy period during this fire season,” said Carman. “After I saw how helpful Kerith was at the Woodward Fire base camp, I was really happy to visit the crews that were fighting the fires.”
“She was out there every single day at our base camp,” said Bret McTigue, Battalion Chief for Marin County Fire. “When men and women have the opportunity to see a friendly face, like Kerith, it connects them. No matter what is going on in their lives, and the trauma that they are seeing on a daily basis. They are able to de-stress.”
After visiting the first fire base camp, CAL FIRE requested Kerith to visit more firefighters to boost the morale at the base camp.
Kerith has visited the Woodward Fire, the Glass Fire, the Creek Fire, and August Complex fires.
“We had crews from all over the country that have been gone from their families for weeks, months,” said McTigue. “So, she has been up and down the state helping firefighters that have been away from their families for a real long time. She is definitely made for what she does and she does a great job of being a good therapy dog for the public safety sector.”
Kerith and her handler have been inseparable since Kerith was eight-weeks-old and is happy to take Kerith wherever she is needed the most.
“The fact that I have this amazing dog who can bring so much joy to others is just priceless,” said Carman. “I can see how happy that she makes other people and I feel that happiness also. I am so happy that I am able to do this work with her and see how helpful it is.”
Big Dogs Need Owners
When the shutdown orders took full effect, it became nearly impossible to find a small dog available for adoption as Southlanders sought furry companions. In many Southland shelters, only larger breeds remained available for adoption.
Now Los Angeles Animal Service is touting the joys of big dogs while offering discounted adoption fees for larger breeds of dogs through Oct. 18. The fee to adopt larger-sized dogs is $25, not including license, during the Big Dog Adoption Event which began Thursday.
“We have a lot of amazing dogs in our centers who would make great workout partners, couch potato buddies and who can bring a lot of love into your home,” LAAS General Manager Brenda Barnette said.
“Don’t rule out a larger-breed dog when looking to adopt a four- legged friend to be a part of your family.”
Animal Services employees will take the person’s information and schedule a pick-up appointment. People will be able to interact with the animals before selecting them.
Adoption appointments will be scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at service centers to comply with social distancing requirements.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has designated October as Shelter Dog Adoption Month.
Animal Services is asking people who adopt from the shelters to share a photo of their new pet on social media using the hashtags #AdoptaShelterDogMonth #LAcitypets #LAanimalservices and tagging the shelter in the post.
Service Dog Walkathon
On Saturday, October 3, hundreds of walkers from across 15 states joined the path to bettering the world for children with autism and their families as part of BluePath Service Dogs’ fourth annual walkathon. The family-friendly fundraiser – this year held virtually – raised more than $120,000 to further BluePath’s mission of providing autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship and opportunities for independence.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every 54 children born today will develop an autism spectrum disorder. It is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. Walkathon participants had the opportunity to learn more about how the nonprofit is unlocking life’s potential for children and families touched by autism during an online kick-off event before heading out to walk in their own communities.
“Like many nonprofits, our mission must continue – even in these uncertain times,” said Tricia Zarro, BluePath’s Board Chair. “We forge ahead, safely and thoughtfully, with the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers and supporters. To all those who took part in our walkathon, you have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others and we are immensely grateful.”Founded in 2016, BluePath has established a robust network of supporters throughout the country. Individuals and families serve as puppy raisers, fosters and administrative volunteers and comprise more than 95 percent of the organization’s workforce. The generosity of donors, volunteers and industry partners allows BluePath to provide its service dogs to families free of charge.
Gold Sponsors: AvalonBay Communities, Elite Carriers, The Goldfarb Makkar and Brown Family, The Neva and Howard Goldstein Family Charitable Fund, Ingersoll Auto, Suzanne Hatfield Philanthropy Fund, Team Ali
Silver Sponsors: 3 Up 3 Down Organization, Bedford PBA, CareCredit/Synchrony, City of Rye Police Association, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, G.S. Bounce, Kolmar Americas Inc., Peekskill Rotary Club, PCSB Bank, Quinn Law Firm, Regeneron RISE, Shrub Oak International School, State Farm – Ken Lemenze, Volz Auto Group
“BluePath dogs provide hope and the opportunity for the whole family to thrive,” noted the nonprofit’s President and CEO Jody Sandler. “I have witnessed firsthand the incredible connection that a service dog can have with a child on the autism spectrum. We thank all those who walk the path with us and make these life-changing connections possible.”
Service Dog In The Marching Band
In a year that is anything but normal, the Jones College Maroon Typhoon Marching Band has welcomed its first known service dog member this fall.
“It always seemed to happen at the most inconvenient time,” McKellar said. “I fell down the bleachers and herniated a disc, and I had a seizure in the bathroom and somehow locked the door. My mom (Kiely) is a nurse and she was very relieved when we got Laurie, especially when I decided to come to Jones for college.”
Having her sister Anna Claire on campus her freshman year helped to ease her mom’s concerns. Last April, the family decided to launch a fundraising campaign to get a service dog, for additional reassurance. The day before McKellar’s birthday, the family drove to Madison, Va., to pick up Laurie from Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers. This life-saving addition to the family has changed Sara Beth by providing her more independence.
“I’m a pretty shy person, and the last thing I wanted was to draw more attention, especially after having seizures,” McKellar said. “Having Laurie has certainly attracted more attention. However, she has also helped me to become more sociable and independent.”
McKellar is also happy to report she has been seizure-free since adopting Laurie six months ago. There have been a couple of close calls, she admits, but Laurie was ready to help.
Sara Beth’s father is Dr. Jason McKellar, principal of the Academy of Innovation in Vicksburg.
Also inspired by Sara Beth and Laurie is Director of Bands at Jones College Dr. Ben Burge. This is the first time in his 21 years of teaching that he recalls having a service dog in the marching band. Laurie is also reportedly the first canine in the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band’s history.
“I’m grateful Sara Beth has Laurie to provide that very special service. The puppy has added a lot of smiles to the band! She is adorable. However, we know we must let her work and not disturb her, but after practice, Laurie gets some love from band members,” Burge said. “We gladly welcome our first ‘marching’ service dog and Sara Beth. We are glad they are both members of the Maroon Typhoon.”
Sara Beth said her freshman year in the Maroon Typhoon was a lot different than this year with COVID-19 and social-distancing protocols. Yet, her sophomore year has been special because of Laurie.
“Thankfully, Laurie enjoys band, too. She does not like Walmart,” McKellar said. “I also hope as people who are intrigued by Laurie and want to get to know her, they will also want to get to know her handler and learn how Laurie provides medical help, protection and loves her ‘person’ while continually working.”
The Maroon Typhoon Marching Band’s next performance will be Thursday, Oct. 29, during the home football game when the Bobcats host the Wildcats of Pearl River Community College.
Church Blesses Animals
St. Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception in Port Jervis hosted a special outdoor service last Sunday afternoon to bless the community’s pets, animals and other living creatures.
In keeping with current pandemic rules, pet owners wore masks, remained distant, and took part in praying for dogs, cats, turtles, and other pets and animals around the world.
The service was part of the official annual Blessing of the Animals held worldwide Oct. 4. Rev. Matthew C. Newcomb of St. Mary’s, with his own beloved dog, Pius, beside him, conducted the local service in the church parking lot.
“Pets are a great gift from God, to be our helpmates in life. Studies show that those who have animals are happier and healthier,” Newcomb said after the service.
Newcomb said he got Pius for his mother about two years after the family had to put down their last dog, Rouge.
“Rouge was originally my late sister’s dog. A month after Rouge died, my father passed,” Newcomb said. “Pius took to me and has been my faithful companion. He is excellent with people and is a way I can evangelize and meet people, when I walk and jog with him.” Smiling as he watched the interaction among pets, and between pets and their owners, Newcomb led a service with roots dating back to the Middle Ages and the Feast of St. Francis. Both the feast and Blessing of Animals service originated in tribute to animals and in celebration of their love by Italian priest, Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone of Assisi, Italy nearly 800 years ago. St. Francis of Assisi died on Oct. 3, 1226. His unconditional love and celebration for animals has continued worldwide on or around Oct. 4 annually.
“The animals of God’s creation inhabit the skies, the earth, and the sea. They share in the fortunes of human existence and have a part in human life,” Newcomb said in prayers offered last Sunday. “We therefore invoke the divine blessing on these animals, and as we do so let us praise the Creator and thank him for setting us over other creatures of the earth.”
In attendance were several dozen pets and owners. Most pets were canine or feline, but one couple brought a pet baby turtle – which was born with two heads. Named Jake and Elwood, the couple said they brought this pet to receive blessings for continued good health.
“We believe it will help,” said Tanya Pfaeffle of Milford, Pa., who attended with her husband, Mike. “They are healthy and doing well, and we want them to continue to do so. That’s why we’re here with them today.”
Police Welcome New Canine
After the unexpected passing of longtime Police Service Dog Zeus earlier this week, Kingston Police are welcoming a new member to the Canine Unit.
Police Service Dog Bask, also known as K9-8, is a Dutch Shepherd and Belgium Malinois mix, and will be patrolling the streets of Kingston with his handler Constable Jeff Dickson.
Bask was born May 10, 2019 in Poland and is trained in tracking, article searches, apprehension/handler protection, building searches, and drug detection.
According to a release from Kingston Police, dated Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, Constable Jeff Dickson spent four weeks training with Bask in the United States. Bask and Constable Dickson have since continued their training in Canada.
“Although Zeus has left incredibly large paw prints to fill we are excited in welcoming this newest addition to our Kingston Police family and look forward to the continued success of the Canine Unit program,” Kingston Police said in a statement.
