For the last 5 years, U of D has had a tradition of bringing in therapy dogs during the school’s mental health week. During this time, a variety of dogs are brought in during lunch hours to cheer up students that may be going through a challenging time or just want to pet a furry friend. Every year this event has been a remarkable success, with many of the students around U of D never wanting the dogs to leave. The puppies opened yet another doorway for students to open up about their emotions without having to look into the (in their eyes) judging look of a counselor or parent. They could simply come in, pet the joy-filled face of a dog, and leave with a sense of peace or happiness.
However, once it was time for the dogs to leave, the students had to go back to the old fashion way of setting up a meeting with their counselor to get anything off of their chests. However! After hearing concerns from students every year, U of D made the gracious decision this past summer to take in a full-time therapy dog. And so, Brother Iggy and all of his 15 pounds hobbled into the halls of U of D for the first time. Although most of the students were enjoying their time off for the summer, the newly elected senators for U of D had to come in to film a video introducing new students to U of D. These gentlemen were the first lucky students Iggy got to interact with. Although at this stage Iggy was quite rambunctious, he still held the characteristics of a loving and excited puppy, seemingly ready to “get to work.”
A few months later UofD opened its doors to the hundreds of young men eager for yet another year. In a recent interview I spoke with Iggy about his first experience. “So, what were you feeling in this moment?” I asked Iggy as he stared up at me. *Sniff* *Sniff* *Sniff*. “Very inciteful” I responded to his amazing comment on the matter.
I have visited Brother Iggy every day since the start of the school year, and it has been fun watching him not only grow physically but mentally as well. His maturity is starting to develop as he grows older, learning how to interact with several students on a daily basis. He does a fantastic job of calming students down during class exchange, but also at allowing students and staff some time for stress relief. In fact, Brother Iggy has done such an excellent job that he has already had an award named after him. The newly created “Iggy award” is given out to a student, staff and faculty member who exemplifies a love and care on a daily basis. The winners of this award are announced over the Cub Broadcast at the end of each month and are rewarded witha $25 gift card to the Cub Corner as well.
As the year goes on, Brother Iggy will continue to help any students with their mental well being, whether that is being a soft friend to pet, an open ear to listen to, or simply a happy dog to enjoy. In all my 6 years of going to U of D, the addition of Brother Iggy has been one of the best decisions the administration has made. I am excited for the underclassman and academy students to be able to watch him grow up with them, hopefully having the same effect he has had on me passed down to them.
