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.
Human-Animal Bond in Colorado, part of Colorado State University’s School of Social Work, has announced three individuals and a local Fort Collins business for its annual volunteer celebration awards.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, HABIC has worked to stay connected to students in local schools through a variety of new approaches, from messages of support, to presentations, to virtual visits. In March, HABIC teams resumed in-person visits with new safety protocols.
Human-Animal Bond in Colorado volunteer team Jacqueline Rusho and her rescued Great Pyrenees dog Sophie developed a special bond with senior residents of long-term care facilities.
In October, CSUs HABIC therapy dog program restarted at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, bringing human-animal volunteer teams to serve the mental health needs of healthcare personnel.