There’s an endearing saying, ‘Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t even know we had.’
Those who have met Ellie at Paradise Valley Community College definitely know that to be true.
Ellie the therapy dog visits PVCC’s Union Hills campus twice a month bringing a warm and comfortable presence as she greets students, staff, and faculty members around the college.
“When Ellie comes to the library, students light up,” said Paula Crossman, PVCC librarian. “Everyone is delighted to take a break from their studies to scratch her ears and let her lean into them. It’s a furry hug from a devoted friend and it's a shield against the worries of the day. Ellie helps students feel like the library is a safe space for them.”
In 2021, Alexis Romo, PVCC’s library administrative specialist began inviting therapy dogs to the library as people were emerging from the COVID-19 shutdown. “We were emerging from isolation and loneliness created by the pandemic; many of us had experienced loss and anxiety and we believed that companionship provided by therapy dogs could help ease the stress of returning to normal,” Crossman said.
Ellie is a four-year-old Golden Retriever who loves her flying squirrel frisbee, whipped cream, and playing in water. Elizabeth Howell rescued her from the Colorado Animal Care Foundation.
“Ellie has always been drawn to being with people. She loves going to the library and seems to have a way of sensing when somebody needs to spend time with them,” explained Howell, adding that she can match their mood. For example, if someone is more nervous and standoffish, Ellie is very calm and soothing. However, when someone seems more excited and friendly, Ellie perks up and returns that same energy.
Students have many worries – academic failure, finances, debt, housing, relationships, balancing work and school, and family concerns. Dogs are caring and non-judging companions, and therapy dogs have been used in community health contexts for a number of years. Positive effects therapy dogs can have on individuals include stress reduction, emotional comfort and support, improved mood, social interaction, distraction from pain/discomfort, encouragement learning, and motivation for physical activity.
Howell shared that Ellie always receives a warm welcome when visiting with students, many of whom reply “You came at just the right time” or will share how stressed they felt and seeing Ellie calmed their nerves.
“When a student receives affection from Ellie, they are momentarily distracted from their stressors, and that distraction provides hope that periods of anxiety need not be permanent,” Crossman said.
Ellie is at PVCC every other Monday, so be sure to say hello next time you see her.