Missing your pets at home? Tail wags and heart hugs are on campus to bring you a weekly dose of joy and a place to decompress
Drop in for a PAWS-itively relaxing visit with a certified therapy dog!
PAWSitive Support is made possible by volunteers from the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and Therapeutic Paws of Canada - Halifax Chapter.
PAWSitive Support is open to all AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ and Kings students - just drop in, no registration required!
The PAWsitive Support Program is a certified therapy animal mental health program offered by Student Health & Wellness.
Follow on Instagram for schedule updates.
Want to have a PAWSitive Support therapy dog visit at your on-campus event?
Fill out our . We require a minimum of 3 weeks' notice in advance of your event. Responses may take up to 10 business days as we do our best to coordinate with our volunteers.Ìý
PAWSitive Support Drop-In
Guinness resumes drop in visits on Wednesdays from 3-4pm, Killam Library 2nd Floor, Room 2600 starting Wednesday, September 16 until December 16 (he will take a holiday over reading week).Ìý
Risser will be offering drop-in visits with Psychologist Marriam on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 PM in 1246 LeMarchant Street, LeMarchant Place Atrium (LMP) starting October 8 until December 17Ìý(he will take a holiday over reading week).Ìý
Follow @DalStudentHealthÌýon Instagram for any schedule updates.
Meet Guinness!
Guinness is a 4.5 year old flat-coated retriever. He is full of energy and absolutely loves people. He is learning a few new tricks and loves treats. (Just no chicken please! He has allergies.)
Guinness' handler Judy is a AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ graduate and has been volunteering with St. John Ambulance for the past 8 years. Guinness is Judy's second therapy dog and has been certified for almost two years.
Guinness, Judy, the Care Crew and the AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ Medical Campus Response Team will be on site throughout the year! Whether you're looking for a chance to connect with a furry friend, other students or just a friendly chat, Guinness and the team look forward to meeting new and old friends!
Meet Risser!
Risser (aka Little Risser) is a 7-year old Maltese-Yorkie and has been a certified therapy dog with Therapeutic Paws of Canada since January 2024. Risser loves people, his ball and beef liver treats (not necessarily in that order!). Risser is known to greet new and old friends with a toothy "smile" and lots of kisses.
Risser's handler Marriam is one of AV¾ãÀÖ²¿'s psychologists and has offered therapy dog programs (like Puppy Power Hour) to Dal and King's students for many years. Her drop-in sessions offer a unique blend of emotional support designed to help you decompress, connect and feel heard. Whether you're looking for a quiet moment, a friendly chat, or just some furry companionship, this student-focused wellness experience is for you!