InterProfessional Animal-assisted Wellness (IPAW) Collaborative

Rosie & Orion, founding dogs, lie on the floor together

Orion (pictured at left) and Rosie are the founding pups of the IPAW Collaborative at Nazareth University. With their handlers, Dr. P. (Laura Poleshuck) and Professor (Missy) Reed, these Pet Partners registered therapy dogs are a part of daily university life; students can visit them at their offices and interact with them during IPAW Collaborative activities and through the IPAW Club. The dogs also enjoy participating in research studies, treating clients in the on-campus clinics, playing on the quad, and greeting students all over campus.

Tilly, therapy dog on campus

Tilly

  • Mixed breed (may be golden retriever and Labrador mix)
  • Born: September 1, 2022
  • Birth place: Ohio
  • Rescue organization: Blind Dog Rescue Alliance
  • First career: foster puppy, Philadelphia, PA
  • Lives with: Orion and Laura Poleshuck (Dr. P.)
  • Qualification: Working on it! (Therapy dog in training)
  • Favorite pastimes: chewing on toys, playing with Orion, and meeting students
  • Office: York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute (YWRI) 129
Rosie wearing therapy dog vest

Rosie

  • English springer spaniel
  • Born: January 17, 2021
  • Birth place: Appalachian Kennels, Kentucky
  • First career: Family dog
  • Handler: Melissa Reed (Professor Reed), faculty member in music therapy, co-founder of the IPAW Collaborative
  • Qualification: Registered therapy dog, Pet Partners, May 2022; AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC S.T.A.R Puppy
  • Favorite pastimes: swimming, playing with Orion, walking with students, playing fetch
  • Office: York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute (YWRI) 272
Orion the dog with Swoop stuffed toys

Orion

  • Labrador retriever
  • Born: March 1, 2020
  • Birth place: Guiding Eyes for the Blind Canine Development Center, Patterson, New York
  • First career: potential Guiding Eyes for the Blind guide dog (released in 2020 due to ear infections)
  • Handler: Laura Poleshuck (Dr. P.), faculty member in occupational therapy, co-founder of the IPAW Collaborative
  • Qualification: Registered therapy dog, Pet Partners, July 2021
  • Favorite pastimes: eating, playing with Rosie, visiting with students, sniffing
  • Office: York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute (YWRI) 129

Stop by to see the dogs in their offices, at events, or at the times listed below! 

  • bARC open office hours in Smyth 21 on Mondays 3-4
  • IPAW visiting hours in the Merton Room, Library Mondays 1-2, Tuesdays 11-12, Wednesdays 12-1
  • Animal-assisted Anxiety Toolbox Wednesdays 2:30-3:30 (contact John Rigney <jrigney7@naz.edu> for session dates)
  • Tilly's (Academic Success) Tips and Treats on Fridays 1-2 in Smyth 21

The IPAW Club

  • Mission: To engage students in animal-related wellness activities that promote learning, connection, and service. We encourage students of any major to join us for fun activities and community service with others who are passionate about connecting with animals and people while considering the well-being of all.
  • The IPAW Pad: where club meetings, activities, and puppy play time occur. It's in the library basement behind the Writing Center.
  • Sample activities: dog-related crafts, blanket-making service project, Guiding Eyes for the Blind puppy class, photos with the dogs, and study breaks
  • Please follow our Instagram page for updates about future events!