Friday, April 7, 2017

Superdog Fenway to the Rescue!

Fenway the dog helps sooth stressed students and hospital patients. 

Fenway attentively waiting commands from Lisa Hoogesteger
A perfect catch! All eyes were on Fenway, as she caught the treat in her mouth.

The part Lab and Wire-haired Griffon loves people.

It's part of her job. She is a therapy dog at LB and at the hospital.

As the new Winter Term addition to the LB Advising Center, she helps students take a break from their lives through advising appointments and hanging around campus events. .

To let the students know about Fenway, Lisa Hoogesteger, one of Fenway's trainers, visited a Destination Graduation class in IA 224 at half past noon.

Hoogesteger explained how Fenway helps relieve stress for "Students who miss their dog from home, and who may be struggling [in college]."

Fenway also helps hospital patients who find it hard to connect with people by giving them a physical connection.

Crystal Garcia, a student attending the Destination Graduation class said "I would definitely go for therapy [with Fenway]"

When asked if she would consider training a therapy dog herself, Garcia said "I love dogs, so it's something to think about".

Rob Camp, the Destination Graduation teacher said "I work with Fenway often, because I work across the hall from Lisa [Hoogesteger]," and believes that "Fenway is an amazing addition to the advising staff"

Aside from helping, Fenway likes to do activities any dog enjoys, including learning tricks such as shake, roll over, and crawl.

"[Fenway] loves the dog day at the pool, and she's and incredible jumper" Hoogesteger said "She could be a dock diving dog"

Fenway is currently part of the Welcome Waggers who help people train their dogs to become therapy dogs. They are part of the national organization  Alliance of Therapy Dogs, ATD. These therapy dogs will go anywhere they're needed, including hospitals, campuses, and nursing homes.

Fenway makes a difference on campus. What a great dog!









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