Prehealth students at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, now have a unique opportunity to enhance their skills in the field by working alongside trained service dogs, acquiring invaluable experience in catering to patients with disabilities.
Meet Rossi, a diligent black Labrador retriever, who has embarked on a groundbreaking journey alongside two dedicated faculty handlers within the university’s applied health sciences division. This dynamic trio operates seamlessly within clinical and classroom settings, setting a precedent for a remarkable initiative.
This academic year, the Health Science Interprofessional Research Center (HSIRC) at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, proudly introduced Rossi as the university’s very first facility service dog, a noteworthy addition to the campus community. Rossi is a pivotal component of the recently launched Dr. Wags program, an innovative animal-assisted intervention initiative by HSIRC that took flight in May. The program is designed not only to create experiential learning and research prospects for students but also to promote community awareness about the diverse roles of service dogs.
Jenn Taylor, Assistant Professor of Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation, underlines the program’s multifaceted success. The Dr. Wags program significantly bolsters students’ career readiness, enhances the institution’s comprehension of facility service dogs, and introduces an overarching positive influence to the campus ambiance. This pioneering endeavor exemplifies the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse’s commitment to enriching the educational experience and fostering a more inclusive community.
