Diploma Therapy Dog
Moose is an 8-year-old Labrador retriever (therapy dog) with a degree in being a very good dog. Actually, he has an honorary doctorate degree in veterinary medicine and has accomplished more than most other dogs.
Since 2014, Moose had worked as a therapy dog at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, at Cook Counseling Center. Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland awarded an honorary degree for years of service to the student. Moose received his degree at a virtual commencement ceremony in May, where he received an actual diploma.
How Do Therapy Dogs Assist
Thousands of students have benefitted from having Moose in their counseling sessions. His owner, Trent Davis, is a licensed counselor explained that therapy dogs provide aid during counseling sessions by giving a sense of security and providing extra comfort. “[Dogs] provide a source of comfort and grounding,” he said, but unfortunately, humans haven’t always been the best to them in their lives, so dogs can be a little bit safer.”
Moose was born and raised in New York at New York’s Guiding Eyes for the Blind. He did not become a guide dog because he had a minor medical condition. He became a therapy dog after he overcomes the Guiding program and Davis adopted Moose. Moose has other interests outside of his therapy career, such as swimming, tug-of-war, and most of all, eating. In 2019, Virginia Veterinary Medical Association honored him as an “animal hero” for his devoted service. Moose is passionate about helping reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness.
This past winter, Moose was diagnosed with prostate cancer and has been undergoing treatment at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. According to a Virginia Tech press release, Moose is doing well and returned to work alongside three other therapy dogs.
Moose loves being a Hokie on the campus of Virginia Tech. The students love to see Moose around campus and enjoy saying “hi” to him.