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S-juno-spotlightIf you happen to be in the Andrew Bouwhuis Library and look up to see a smiling black Labrador retriever sauntering by, your eyes are not deceiving you. For nearly five years, Juno, a certified therapy dog, has been visiting the Canisius campus. She participates in Wellness Days and Stress Less Days, stops by the library at least once a month and is the center of attention in Griff 101-Canine Companions.

Dogs are proven to reduce stress; they provide comfort and companionship and enhance the health and well-being of others, including students on college campuses across the country. Canisius students look forward to Juno’s visits and consistently remark that she makes them feel more relaxed. Smiles abound, especially for students who miss their own dogs while they’re away at school.

Wherever Juno goes, you’ll also find Barbara Irwin, PhD, professor of communication studies, who has owned Juno since she was just eight weeks old. They are a dog/handler team certified by Therapy Dogs International, and also visit nursing homes and human service agencies in the Buffalo area. Juno shows that not just people are committed to service to others at Canisius.

Submitted by: Sara Morris, associate vice president, academic affairs