Meet Moose, an accomplished Labrador Retriever at Virginia Tech College. He’s known for his devotion to providing services in the university’s counseling center for about six years.
What makes Moose remarkable is that he serves as a mental health awareness ambassador, along with four other therapy animals in the university. He helps students cope with trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Moose helped thousands of students and assisted in over 7,000 counseling sessions. The students love all the therapy dogs in the university, but it was Moose who removed the stigma relating to mental health on the campus and was able to raise awareness.
Apart from his job as a therapy dog, you’ll see Moose in the school’s orientation for new students, club events, and he’s even present in football games! In a true Labrador Retriever fashion, Moose is an active dog who loves to be with people.
According to Trent Davis, a licensed counselor and Moose’s owner, his dog provides a different kind of comfort to the students. Moose creates a very safe environment for the students. Just recently, Moose attended virtual graduation, together with the class of 2020.
The adorable Yellow Lab received an award — Honorary Degree in Veterinary Medicine! Moose has countless contributions to the university, that’s why he deserves the recognition for the years of service he rendered.
Moose continues to serve as a therapy dog, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the students can’t see him regularly. Instead, they can see Moose through a virtual counseling session. Trent Davis also conducts face to face meetings when there’s an emergency or student crisis where a student wants to see a therapy dog.
When Moose isn’t on duty, he enjoys swimming, playing tug-of-war, and of course, he loves eating too! Since Moose earned his degree, he’ll indeed receive more treats and playtime for being a good boy!
Source: vttherapydogs