Finals week is the time on campus where the average caffeine consumption of the student body is enough to send most people to the ER. Aware of this, the library hosts various de-stress events leading up to and during finals week. One event has become a student favorite.
Pause for Paws brings therapy dogs into the library to help students lower their stress levels. Located in the second-floor apse, the Pause for Paws event has six dogs in various stages of therapy dog certification and training.
On Dec. 16, I shadowed Beau, an (almost) 2-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog in training to be a fully certified therapy dog. The journey started in the parking lot where Beau gleefully leapt out of the car. His trainer, Julie Branch, had a command ready for him when he hit the pavement: “Leave it.” Beau turned his head away from the squirrel he was getting ready to chase to look at Branch. To reward him for a job well done, Branch reached into the pouch of treats at her waist and gave one to Beau, who was ecstatic.
Treat acquired, we made our way to the library with Beau happily trotting along. Branch was worried about his behavior, but Beau showed off for this reporter and executed his commands perfectly, pausing for a treat each time.
Since Beau is still in training, Branch made sure to arrive at the library before the other dogs, giving him a chance to warm up to the space. The first training challenge for Beau arrived in the form of a small Australian Shepherd named Arrow. Concerned about Beau barking when new dogs walked into the space, Branch prepped herself for a reprimand, but it was never needed as Beau simply wagged his tail at the newcomer and laid down, looking expectantly at Branch for another treat, which she gave him.
Quickly after Beau passed his first test, he failed his second when Rusty, a 15-month-old Goldendoodle, sauntered in. Though Rusty was at the opposite end of the space, Beau felt the need to issue a few barks to establish his dominance. This action prompted a stern reprimand and finger wag from Branch and a guilt-ridden apology from Beau.
Soon the best part of the day arrived as students came to the library. Beau is a people-loving puppy, and his enthusiasm was apparent as student after student took their turn to love on him. At one point, Beau was getting a belly rub from four students at the same time, an earth-side glimpse of doggy heaven. Beau was even visited by a few members of his fan club, or as Branch called them, his regulars.
According to Branch, who has been a dog trainer for two years, Beau is fortunate to have UCCS as a space to play and snuggle with his fans. His diet of raw animal products makes sure that he is the healthiest he can be, but it also limits the places he can serve as a therapy dog.
Since Beau and his sister Bella both enjoy their steak on the rare side, they won’t have an opportunity to serve in hospitals. Branch said that dogs can process bacteria and parasites from raw food that humans can’t, so there is a chance that dogs on a raw diet are harboring bacteria that could compromise patients in intensive care. Instead, Bella visits airports, elderly care homes and the library. Beau is eager to catch up with his sister and after he is fully certified he’ll serve in the same areas.
Once his regulars showed up, Beau decided to show off and started doing tricks with Branch. They started with a standard high five, and soon Beau was putting his paws on Branch’s shoulder for a little dancing. After this display of affection, Beau flopped down on the ground and accepted more pets (and treats) from the students around him.
The Bernese Mountain Dog was a black hole of affection, which is a perfect quality in a therapy dog, especially during finals week.
Before I departed, I asked Branch what Beau’s afternoon might look like. She said that he would probably take a nap in the car, exhausted from his shift with the students. Branch said that even though he should take a nap at home as well, he was most likely looking forward to an afternoon chasing squirrels in their backyard, or some time wrestling Bella.
If you missed the Pause for Paws events this semester, don’t worry — Bella and Beau are in the library every other Monday next semester, too.
Beau the Bernese Mountain Dog at the Pause for Pause event. Photo by Josiah Dolan.