Representing the best qualities of his breed, “Tig” absolutely loves bringing joy to people of all ages while working as a therapy animal in programs with Colorado State University’s Human-Animal Bond in Colorado – HABIC center.
HABIC Animal Trainer and Volunteer Coordinator Kate Miller and Postdoctoral Researcher Kerri Rodriguez collaborated on a study about the short-term effects of a dog training intervention for military veterans with PTSD.
Read the heartwarming story of HABIC-certified dog Winston and his person Pat Athey. After being left at a shelter in Los Angeles, Winston was brought to Colorado by Pat to begin a new life as a therapy animal.
Through a new partnership with a two-year-old Golden Retriever, HABIC volunteer Michael Beck-Gifford continues to fuel a passion for working in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) settings and making a difference in the lives of children and families in Fort Collins.
When a service dog dies or retires, the loss has a huge impact on handlers who often rely on their dogs to live independently. CSU researchers explored how to support handlers prior to their loss and afterwards as they navigate the grieving process and transition to the next phase of their lives.
Following a career in nursing, Kathy McNaught and her dog Winnie began volunteering with HABIC in 2017. It was important to McNaught to continue supporting individuals and families in their local community. Their deep interest in interacting with others has led to many different experiences and impacts.
Doctoral Student in the School of Social Work, Tiffany Banks, was named a VPR Fellow for her dedication to animal-assisted intervention. Read more about her story and her work below!
A rescue cat with a special personality and the love of his new family offers support as a therapy animal working through CSU's Human-Animal Bond in Colorado center in Colorado communities.
Summer, a Golden Retriever, loves to give comfort to others and immediately encourages people to pet her when she’s working as a therapy dog with CSU's Human-Animal Bond in Colorado center in the School of Social Work, said her owner and handler, Theresa Boyle.
Human-Animal Bond in Colorado volunteer Wayne Boyles and his two Labrador Retrievers have made a difference working as therapy dog teams in local schools.