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Posts tagged as “service animals”

(Archive April 2018) Dogs on Campus are Not Here to Eat Homework

By Michele Walsky | Assistant Editor

Student Michael Young’s service dog, Oscar, looks officially handsome in his vest.
Photo by Michael Young

Do you have a canine classmate? It may seem surprising but according to Amy LaBarge, Coordinator of Disabilities, there are three service dogs registered with students this semester. If you happen to share desk space with man’s best friend, remember, this is not a pet show. 

As usual with schools, there are rules. Only service dogs are allowed on campus, as per Jason Zelesky, Dean of Students. Therapy dogs (and emotional support animals) are not permitted. It may be confusing to tell the difference between the two types of certified dogs.  read more

(Archive April 2018) Terrific Partners: Meet Collene and Puma

By Christine Nelson | Observer Contributor

Photo By Christine Nelson
Professor Collene Thaxton with service dog Puma

You may have seen Professor Collene Thaxton and her service dog Puma together on campus, both at Gardner and Devens. You may even have Thaxton as an instructor, as she is a Professor of Nursing. Thaxton has Type I diabetes. Puma is a service dog; his job is to let Thaxton know when her glucose levels are too low or too high. I was lucky to interview them both while Puma was off duty. read more