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Service Dogs for Veterans Week at VWU: April 17-21
Professors Stolley and Coats team up to host guest speakers like Bobby Klepper and Recon
University News | April 13, 2023
Students enrolled in “Animals and Society” this semester have been reading a book that profiles a veteran and his service dog as part of their coursework. Taught by Professor of Sociology Kathy Stolley, the course focuses on human-animal relationships and explores the role and impact of animals in human society, as well as the impact of humans on the lives of animals.
“The book speaks to our students’ heads and to their hearts,” notes Stolley. ““It helps students better understand the range, complexities, and contexts of these issues, including the value of service dogs to wounded warriors and the contributions, experiences and issues faced by veterans.”
To provide students with first-hand exposure to these societal issues, Stolley and her students have collaborated with Assistant Professor of Sport & Recreation Professions/Recreational Therapy Takeyra Coats and the students in her spring semester course “Recreational Therapy Management and Organization (RT 312)” to host “Service Dogs for Veterans Week” at VWU: April 17 – 21. The schedule for the week includes guest speakers, special keynote presentations and community service opportunities for the campus community.
“Our classes have teamed on projects in the past and it is a great synergy,” explains Stolley. “In addition to course content, projects like this are also opportunities to reach out to community members and organizations. For example, we're learning from the expertise of organizations like Mutts With A Mission in training service dogs and helping to highlight the critical need they have for puppy raisers.”
One of the sessions planned for the week includes guest speaker Bobby Klepper and his service dog, Recon. Recon was named the 2022 Service Hero Dog in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards. He and Bobby will be on campus on Thursday, April 20, in Blocker Hall at noon for a keynote presentation. Several sessions include staff from Mutts With a Mission, a non-profit organization that trains service dogs for disabled veterans, first responders and law enforcement at no cost to the recipients.
“This seemed to be a great connection with the course content,” says Stolley. “We could immediately envision opportunities to engage students with these important and timely issues, raise awareness and visibility of the need, and support the work community organizations are doing.”
By organizing and implementing these types of events, Coats says that students gain project management skills, interpersonal skills and enhance relationships with community partners; all important skills they will need in the future.
“These transferable skills and partnerships are those that our students can continue to build upon as upperclassman or as graduates of Virginia Wesleyan University,” explains Coats. “We hope this experience ensures our students not only learn about service dogs and their handlers/humans, but it also showcases the importance of providing services to those with disabling conditions.”
Mark your calendars for these events during Service Dogs for Veterans Week at VWU: April 17-21
Monday, April 17 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pearce Suite (2nd floor in Jane P. Batten Student Center)
Recreational Therapy Management and Organization (RT 312) hosts a panel discussion featuring Executive Director of Mutts With a Mission Brooke Corson and VWU Vice President for Enrollment Heather Campbell ’04, an experienced handler, who has worked with the Wounded Warriors Project and Paralympians.
Tuesday, April 18 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Cove (back-up location in case of rain: Kramer Lounge)
Animals and Society (SOC 237) hosts “Donuts and Dogs: Therapy Dogs and What They Do” featuring guest presenters: Kathy Ames, lecturer in mathematics, and Turner
Wednesday, April 19 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pearce Suite (2nd floor in Jane P. Batten Student Center)
Recreational Therapy Management and Organization (RT 312) sponsors “Puppy Day & Supply Drive” with Mutts With a Mission.
Thursday, April 20 | Noon – 1 p.m.
Blocker Auditorium, 201
Both classes host a keynote presentation, “Service Dogs and Veterans Issues,” with Bobby Klepper and Recon, 2022 American Humane Service Dog of the Year.
Thursday, April 20 | 1 -2:30 p.m.
The Cove (back-up location in case of rain: Kramer Lounge)
Animals and Society (SOC 237) hosts “Be a Puppy Raiser” with guest presenter Jo Ofeldt, Mutts With A Mission.
Friday, April 21 | 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Mutts with a Mission Training Facility
Animals and Society (SOC 237) host a “Day of Service at Mutts With A Mission.” Advanced registration required; limited to 15 total participants