Furry friends aid students

By Amanda Munro, Staff Writer munroa15@up.edu

The University of Portland has two adorable, talented and furry new attendees this year. Two dogs wearing vests frequent The Commons, dorms and even classrooms, but there's more to these cute classmates and their owners than meets the eye.

Service dogs can be helpers for the blind or the hearing impaired, but they can also help owners with a variety of conditions like anxiety, PTSD, physical disabilities, depression and autism.

Pip the Australian Shepherd goes everywhere with sophomore Marcie Abreu to help with epilepsy, and Bogart the German Shepherd assists his owner, junior Alicia McKay, with anxiety. Both women say life is much improved with the assistance of their furry companions.

Alicia McKay and Bogart

McKay bough her purebred German Shepherd, Bogart (or "Bo" as he is fondly called) this past December. She says "[having him on campus is] a total lifesaver."

McKay struggles with panic attacks, so Bo helps by being a calming presence and helping protect McKay from stressful situations if necessary.

"When he notices that I'm starting to freak out, he has me focus on him," McKay said. "If I'm in a really crowded place, he'll create a buffer so people can't get too intense. But it also just helps having him around; he's a big sweetie."

Although Bo has been extremely helpful to McKay, explaining Bo's presence is challenging. Because Bo isn't a seeing-eye dog, people often struggle to understand why she needs him.

"When people figure out that he's for me, they treat me a little differently," McKay said. "But it's worth it to have Bo."

Bo is not supposed to be petted without permission when he's on-duty. But McKay invites people to come pet her dog to relieve stress when he's off-duty.

"It's nice having Bo because when other people on campus are feeling stressed out I can just say, 'Do you want to come pet my dog?'" McKay said. "It's really a great way to help other people like other people helped me before I had Bo."

Bo has already gone through extensive training, but McKay and her companion meet once a week with a trainer to teach the dogs commands specific for her.

When his service vest is off, Bo is like any other almost-grown puppy.

"He likes belly rubs, dismantling tennis balls, and sleeping," McKay said. "I'm really lucky. Most German Shepherds are pretty hyper, but Bo is not. We'll spend all day in bed reading books together."

Both McKay and Abreu are thankful for the opportunity to have their companions with them and for the positive affect the pets have made on both of their lives in extraordinary ways simply by being there.

"[If I could talk to Bo] I would just say, 'Thank you for saving me,' because I was really lost before I had Bo," McKay said. "I hope to return the favor."

Marcie Abreu and Pip

Abreu and Pip have been together since last winter. Pip is a certified therapy dog owned by Amanda Murphy, Kenna hall director. Murphy agreed to lend Pip to Abreu at the end of last year.

"We found out by Christmastime that I could really benefit from having a service dog and [Murphy] had a therapy dog," Abreu said. "It worked out perfectly."

Pip helps Abreu deal with stress and sleep-deprivation-induced epilepsy. The two share a single room in Shipstad, and Pip accompanies Abreu everywhere. In addition to practical skills like fetching objects (such as a phone in case of emergency), Abreu says simply having Pip around has made a huge impact in her life and wellbeing.

"Since I've had [Pip], I haven't had a seizure because [she] keeps me from getting stressed," Abreu said.

When Pip wears her little red vest, she knows it's time to work. In "work mode," she interacts less with others, leaves spilled food and even refrains from chasing the squirrels (as best she can). But once the vest comes off, she's allowed to let her fur down.

"Off-duty, she's really high-energy and quirky and likes to cuddle a lot," Abreu said.

Abreu enjoys building community in her dorm by letting friends come play with Pip when she's off-duty. But when the dog is on-duty, it's best to keep a bit of distance.

"Don't try to pet her if she has her vest on!" Abreu said. "It takes away from her ability to work and train, especially in high-distraction environments like The Commons."

Pip will return to Murphy's family for good at the end of this school year when Murphy graduates. Abreu is in the process of applying for another dog to replace Pip.

"It was really hard saying goodbye [before break]," Abreu said. "I know it's going to be worse this year because it's my last year with Pip."

But while Pip is still on campus, Abreu encourages her fellow students to talk to her about the dog rather than pet her without asking or sneak quick cell phone shots.

"It's fine to come up and talk to me if you have questions about Pip; I'm happy to answer questions," Abreu said.

Paint pottery together

If you're both a little on the artsy side, painting pottery together may be right up your alley! Mimosa Studios at 1718 NE Alberta Street is having a "Valentine's Date Night" on Feb. 14 from 6-9 p.m. complete with mood music, champagne and chocolates. Make reservations for you and your date by calling 503-288-0770.