Guest Contributor: David Eldridge

The Powell Resource Center (PRC) recently acquired a newfound asset of student counseling services who happens to walk on four legs.

Gus, a therapy dog, came from Service Dogs of Virginia (SDV), and with 468 followers on Instagram already, he has quickly become a recognized E&H name.

Todd Stanley, director of the PRC, has had a goal of adding a therapy dog to the center’s resources for some time.

“Incorporating animal assisted therapy into the work being done by counselors in the PRC has been a long term goal of mine,” Stanley said. “I decided this was the year to take action on that goal and spent considerable time this summer researching and pursuing options.”

The process for acquiring a therapy dog for the PRC ended up being a long one.

“I started a conversation with SDV’s staff about my interest and then completed a lengthy application and review process,” Stanley said. “In addition to submitting a written application and securing multiple reference letters, I participated in an interview with the SDV team.”

After Stanley was approved as Gus’ owner and completed training, Gus began his therapeutic work on campus.

Dr. Christopher Qualls, a professor of psychology at Emory & Henry, has knowledge working with therapy dogs when he served as chair of the Children Advocacy Center.

“The purpose of therapy dogs is essentially to provide a calming, soothing influence,” Qualls explained. “Their role is essentially to allow the children to have a confidant that they can be with during stressful times. Not all children find animals comforting, but many, many do,” he added, “which allows them to relax and feel more in control of what’s happening.”

Qualls confirmed that these same benefits are also applicable to college students.

In fact, students at E&H are already benefiting.

“Every appointment I have with Gus makes me feel like I’m okay here, in a way,” she said. “There being a therapy dog on campus has really helped me with my anxiety, my stress, my emotions, my homesickness, you name it.”

In addition to helping the community at the PRC, Gus occasionally makes unexpected campus tours.

“He is making new friends every day,” Stanley said. “When we walk around campus together I often hear shouts of ‘Hi, Gus’ from all over.”

Gus can be followed on Instagram @ehtherapydogs and more information about SDV can be found at this link.