As the spring semester started, the University of Rhode Island added Winnie, as their first facility dog.
Winnie joined URI through a nonprofit service, according to Danielle Madden, the URI clinical counselor and care manager. The nonprofit service pairs individuals and facilities with service dogs based on their specific needs.
Winnie comes from Dogs for Better Lives, a nonprofit organization that places different types of assistance dogs, according to Madden. They place facility dogs with professionals who work with vulnerable populations to place these dogs to do tasks and support their clients.
URI students have access to therapy dogs Basil and Betty, according to Madden. Winnie’s role as a facility dog differs from the role of a therapy dog.
“Winnie’s a little bit different,” Madden said. “She’s task-trained. Some of her tasks that she does [are] to intervene with folks who [might be] having acute distress from a mental health condition.”
Research has indicated animal assisted interventions in therapy can reduce cortisol levels, release oxytocin and help people feel more regulated, according to Madden.
Winnie is trained to perform a set of tasks in order to help students during one on one sessions with Madden.
“‘Lap’ is where she puts her front two paws across body, that one can be really useful if someone is feeling really distressed, that deep pressure that she provides can help with grounding,” Madden said. “‘Visit’ is where she’s putting her head on your lap. Her ‘Settle’ task is one that I use in large spaces because people want to come and pet her.”
Winnie’s goal is to help students be more comfortable approaching the Counseling Center and to create a more welcoming atmosphere, according to Madden.
“I’m hopeful that her presence will help draw folks to feel more comfortable to approach us. There is still a large stigma around mental health. But with Winnie there it helps alleviate some pressure,” Madden said.
