On Tuesday, March 5, Mac celebrated his 15th birthday, as well as his retirement as resident therapy dog of UFV, in the Envision Financial Athletic Centre with dozens of students, staff, and faculty present.
At the time of retirement, Mac and his handler, UFV counselor Dawn Holt, had been working together at UFV for 13 years, helping thousands of students during this time. Not only has his service been exemplary, his inclusion at UFV was a groundbreaking experience.
“Mac became the first facility therapy dog from PADS to be placed in a non-healthcare, non-residential setting, and is the longest serving assistance dog in PADS history,” said Alisa Webb, vice president, students and enrolment management at UFV.
Mac’s inclusion at UFV was a trial run — he was only supposed to stay on a year — because, at that time, a therapy dog had never worked in a university setting. But Holt worked to make her vision happen.
“With some convincing and research behind me showing that an animal in your presence does reduce levels of cortisol, reduce the breathing rate, reduce heart rate and blood pressure, release oxytocin; because we had that research backing us up I was able to make the play for having Mac here as a pilot program,” said Holt.
Dawn and Mac have done great work together, but what’s more important is that they’ve inspired numerous other universities to follow their path.
“There are hundreds of dogs all around the world in university settings making a difference because of the steps that were taken here at UFV,” said Tara Doherty, marketing director for PADS.
In closing, Dawn put into words what Mac could not.
“He would tell us to be mindful of ourselves. Pay attention to what you need in each moment and each day. Eat when you’re hungry. Sleep when you need it. Move your body when it tells you to. Seek comfort when you feel it; reach out for help if that’s what it is. Be aware of what you’re feeling each day, and try to accept yourself for the wonderful, imperfect being that you are.”
Mac also hopes that we can find it within us to be compassionate with ourselves and others, and to find our passion. He gave his best each and every day, even in his later years, and he wants the same for us. If it hadn’t been for Holt and her belief in Mac’s abilities, he wouldn’t have spent the last 13 years helping an immense amount of the UFV community.
“He came to be because of a community of people that believe dogs can make a difference,” said Doherty.
Images: The Cascade
