The Unversity of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles has hired a goldendoodle named Professor Beauregard Tirebiter.
As a wellness dog, he lived on the second floor of University’s Student Health Center and provides affection and comfort to stressed students.
According to the USC News, University’s news site run by USC’a communication team, he even has office hours, a uniform and business card.
The Director of the Office of Wellness and Health Promotions at USC, Paula Lee Swinfold said that the hope is that Professor Tirebiter will help create a sense of community on campus, in addition to providing therapeutic companionship.
Swinfold said, “We wanted to do something that would change our culture.”
An Assistan Professor at USC, Olga Solomon said that according to the research, positive interaction with dogs can create a sense of calm and well-being.
Tirebiter’s handler Amanda Vanni said that currently Professor TIrebiter is learning to get comfortable all over campus, in addition to some tricks.
Vanni, who is also a health promotion specialist at USC’s student health care, said, “I'm teaching him how to do a 'Fight on' right now," she said, referring to the school's official fight song. "(W)e're working on a paw out in the air.”
By Prajakt K.
