Sit. Stay. Heal.

Last fall, the Worth Health & Wellness Center adopted a new staffer: Izzy, a cream-colored standard poodle puppy learning new tricks to earn therapy-dog certification. 

Animal-assisted therapy is an addition to Swarthmore’s comprehensive wellness plan. Students meet with Izzy one-on-one, take her on walks, engage with her publicly, and more—while Izzy lends a floppy ear.

“Something as simple as an adorable, soft, fluffy dog can really help the community,” says Cheryl Donnelly, Izzy’s off-campus caretaker and a registered nurse at Worth. “In a culture of rigor and stress, Izzy provides an immediate boost to students’ well-being. She is always happy to see them, as evidenced by her ever-wagging tail.”

“Reception across campus has been great,” says Worth director Alice Holland. “Izzy has already been so impactful in such a positive way. It’s incredible to experience the power of a puppy.”