CAREing Paws: Support Nursing's Therapy Dog Program

Miller, a golden retriever, and Choa, a yellow Labrador retriever, are Auburn’s therapy dogs. The School of Nursing’s CAREing Paws program (Canines Assisting Rehabilitation and Education) is an extraordinary service learning experience for nursing students, and we believe it might be the only animal-assisted therapy program of its kind in a nursing school setting in the nation.

CAREing Paws gives Auburn’s nursing students the opportunity to learn about animal-assisted therapy through classroom teaching and hands-on clinical experiences. The students experience how animal-assisted therapy can benefit the lives of children with chronic illnesses, adults in nursing homes and medical centers, and individuals diagnosed with mental health issues.

“Students leave Auburn with a degree in nursing and also the understanding of what animal-assisted therapy can do in diverse healthcare settings,” said Dr. Stuart Pope, who teaches nursing students about animal-assisted therapy. “Our nursing students learn that the human-animal bond helps patients heal emotionally, socially, mentally, and physically.”

Because Miller and Choa interact with people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and mental health facilities, their health must be optimal and their maintenance needs are heightened. High-quality food, shampoo, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, frequent veterinarian visits, and tests are among the regular needs of our hard-working canines.

Make a gift today to support Miller and Choa in 2016!