By semester 1 2025, the soft coated wheaten terrier will be fully accredited as a therapy dog in the Student Equity, Safety and Wellbeing team, and will be used for student counselling sessions, and student wellbeing workshops.
At 12 weeks old she’s still a puppy, and very much growing into the role and her oversized Service Dog in Training vest.
But Clover’s paws have certainly hit the ground running across our campuses. She’s mastering basic commands – including hand signals, guided by her guardian Heather Marsh, Director of Student Equity, Safety and Wellbeing.
It means that students who are deaf or have hearing impairment will be able to communicate commands to Clover during counselling sessions or wellbeing workshops.
“Therapy dogs offer a warm and friendly way into counselling, which can sometimes feel daunting for the first time. They are also a wonderful calming presence, helping to relieve anxiety and create a feeling of openness,” Heather said.
Tips for interacting with Clover on campus
- Pats on the back: You’re welcome to pat Clover. If you can, try to pat her on her back or the back of her head as she’s being trained not to lick or nibble. It’s a work in progress – she’s still a puppy and is teething!
- Keep it calm: Clover is very sociable and loves attention, but we don’t encourage her to play loud or rough games because her role will be to help soothe and calm students who may feel anxious.
