CAMPUS LIFE

Therapy dog monthly visits return at the Bailey Library

Therapy dogs from Therapaws of Michigan return to give comfort and relaxation to visitors at the Bailey Library. Photos provided by Jared Wadley.

by DOINA PLOP
Staff Writer

Therapaws of Michigan volunteers and their therapy dogs will be back at the Bailey Library on the 2nd Wednesday of each month starting in January 2022.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and suspended on-campus operations, the canine-assisted therapy non-profit organization wasn’t able to do any in-person therapy sessions since March 2020. During fall 2020, the Bailey Library and Therapaws of Michigan managed to schedule three virtual visits.

WCC has had a relationship with Therapaws for several years. According to Bethany Kennedy, director of access services, the regular visits to the Bailey Library started in 2017.

Before the pandemic, Therapaws used to greet members of the WCC campus once a month. During their visits, they provided stress relief and companionship to WCC students, faculty, and staff.

Therapy dogs from Therapaws of Michigan giving comfort and relaxation to visitors at the Bailey Library before the COVID-19 pandemic. Photos provided by Bethany Kennedy.

Certified therapy dogs are tested and trained to help provide stress relief, reduce anxiety, and promote social interaction.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all the Therapaws of Michigan visits to the community in the Ann Arbor area. The volunteers weren’t able to provide pet therapy at hospitals, extended care facilities, colleges, or schools.

As of October 2021, Therapaws of Michigan returned to visiting more locations — including WCC — but the organization is experiencing a shortage of volunteers. “Before the pandemic, we had around 140 teams. Now, we have around 85 (teams),” said Bobbi O’Hara, the president of Therapaws of Michigan.

According to Jared Wadley, board member of Therapaws of Michigan, the organization averages between eight to ten visit requests per month. Both Wadley and O’Hara hope to recruit more volunteers in the upcoming months as visit requests start increasing again. They encourage members of the community to volunteer and help people while spending time with their own dogs. If interested in volunteering, community members can check the detailed requirements here.