Concordia’s comfort dog, Grace, continues her training to assist students in the Compassion Care Certificate program.
On Thursday, Nov. 3, CBS 58 caught a glimpse of the training process when reporter Gabriella Bachara visited Dawgs in Motion in Saukville, the organization with which Concordia has partnered to train Grace. CUW students enrolled in the Compassion Care Certificate program this year have been invited to participate in the training regimen as well.
Grace is expected to join the CUW campus sometime in 2023, once her training is fully completed. At that time, she will take over for Concordia’s original comfort dog, Zoey, as the designated aid for Concordia’s innovative Compassion Care Certificate program, the only program of its kind in Wisconsin and one of only a few nationwide.
Watch the segment
Click here or on the image below to view the CBS segment.
About the Compassion Care Certificate
The goal of the certificate program is to equip future educators and other mental health professionals to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to those whom they’ll serve. The concentration:
- Is designed as an additive for students already enrolled in an education, athletic training, social work, or psychology programs at CUW
- Consists of four courses (12 credits that may be completed within a year)
- Launched in fall 2021 with eight members in the inaugural cohort
The program equips students to use trained dogs in classrooms or other therapy settings. Students who graduate from the program will be in a position to either purchase their own certified therapy dog to use within their workplaces or integrate therapy dog teams into their outreach with members of the community through their vocations. Even without the use of a working dog, the concentration promises lessons and experiences that prove invaluable in today’s day and age.
“There are still so many kids who are dealing with anxiety and depression and a variety of different types of trauma,” said Nicole Muth, director of the certificate program and chair of CUW’s elementary education department. “Research shows that there’s something about petting a dog that allows a child to just open up and talk more about the things they’re dealing with.”
About Dawgs in Motion
Since February 2008, Dawgs in Motion, LLC, has provided high-quality canine care and training services to a wide range of clients. The organization and its facility is designed to give customers a one-stop-shop experience for all their doggie needs. Located in Saukville, the facility was custom-built for the expansive needs of the business. It features a doggie salon, storefront, training space, boarding facility, and an indoor pool for exercise and therapy uses. Services include daycare, boarding, training, grooming, and more.
Visit Dawgs in Motion’s website for more information.
Want in?
The Compassion Care Certificate is designed as an additive for students already enrolled in a bachelor’s program at Concordia. Specifically, the certificate has attracted students pursuing education, athletic training, social work, and psychology degrees.
Apply to Concordia and you can have the chance work with Grace!
For more information about the Compassion Care Certificate at CUW, contact Dr. Nicole Muth at nicole.muth@cuw.edu.