The success of Nazareth’s therapy dog initiative brings new opportunities to benefit others
Nazareth University’s therapy dogs Orion, Tilly, and Rosie may just rival Golden Flyer mascot Swoop for the most popular animals on campus. Now, as it has in the past, the program is evolving yet again.
The registered therapy dogs have been part of the Interprofessional Animal-Assisted Wellness (IPAW) Collaborative, which was started by their handlers Laura Poleshuck, associate clinical professor of occupational therapy, and Missy Reed, associate clinical professor of music therapy. The IPAW Collaborative began with Orion in March 2021, and Rosie and Tilly became therapy dogs in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The dogs have become part of campus life, from hosting visiting hours and activities for students and being stars of the student-run IPAW Club, to treating clients from the community of all ages in on-campus therapy clinics and helping in the animal-assisted Anxiety Toolbox program aimed at students. The IPAW Collaborative has gained national attention as a leader in animal-assisted intervention and its benefits, and it is the only program of its kind in the country.
Now, the work done through The IPAW Collaborative here at Nazareth will evolve to benefit the broader community at Tilly’s Place, a new non-profit in Pittsford founded by Poleshuck — Orion and Tilly’s handler. The mission of Tilly’s Place is to empower healthcare and education professionals to partner with therapy animals using evidence-based practices to promote human and animal well-being.
“Because the Nazareth community embraced the IPAW Collaborative and allowed us to develop and implement these programs, we now know the full potential of animal-assisted intervention, which includes animal-assisted therapy, education, and activities,” said Poleshuck. “I am excited to share my skills and knowledge more widely in the community.”
Orion and Tilly will continue regular visits to Nazareth — including visiting hours, working with students and clients in on-campus clinic sessions, and other campus collaborations.
Rosie will also continue coming to campus with Reed when her schedule allows. “Some of the best moments of the last four years have revolved around the interactions between the dogs and the students,” said Reed. “The joy that so many have expressed from seeing the dogs, playing with the dogs, and even seeing pictures of the dogs — priceless!”
The IPAW Club is having a party for the therapy dogs on May 5 at noon in the Shults Center Reading Lounge. All are welcome.
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
