PAWS of CNY was pleased to be invited to attend the Syracuse University Office of Disability’s de-stress event on April 7. PAWS of CNY’s therapy dogs have been influential this spring in offering students and faculty an opportunity to de-stress as the stress of the school year reaches its pinnacle during final exam season. Susan and John Stepien and their Bernese mountain dog Stella attended the event to help bring smiles to the office.
“We had such a good time at the event,” said Susan. “We walked around with Stella and spoke to everyone, students and instructors…Everyone wanted to get their picture taken with Stella, even the instructors.”
In addition to providing wellness services to the community, PAWS of CNY offers education regarding pet safety, therapy dog services, and other pet-related topics. The organization has found that in addition to bringing happiness and stress-relief to residents, patients, and students, the PAWS of CNY therapy dogs help many who are initially uncomfortable around dogs to experience first hand the joy and comfort that can be felt around a well-trained dog.
“There was one student [at the Office of Disability event] who mentioned he was kind of afraid of dogs but he kept following us around,” said Susan. “Soon, he was petting Stella and after that he wanted his picture taken with her also! He was very proud of himself. It was so nice.”
PAWS of CNY maintains exceptionally high standards for its therapy pets. Dogs like Stella must pass an eleven-step certification test before they can be certified as a therapy dog, and the test must be performed every two years for dogs to remain active with the organization. Dogs like Stella with a calm and loving demeanor make the perfect therapy pet companion, and Susan agrees.
“All I can say is that Stella is awesome and John and I are so proud of her. She loves everyone and always looks like she is smiling… We are so happy to be a part of PAWS!”
For information on the certification test requirements for dogs, view our summary of initial evaluation items.