MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR

Nibs OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FACILITY DOG HOW DO YOU HELP UCA STUDENTS?

I give unconditional love and support to all students that I encounter. I calm frazzled nerves, give an uplifting kiss when needed and take students for a walk when they need a break. The occupational- therapy students also learn how to utilize animals in therapeutic settings. For example, a client who has had a stroke may brush me with an adapted brush to improve functional arm strength, or a child with sensory deficits may give me a bath to experience different tactile stimuli.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN JOB DUTIES?

I go to class with my handler, Dr. Tracey Zeiner, to interact with the students; I guest “speak” in various classes on how I can benefit clients in therapy; I am involved in an on-campus student organization called Living Unleashed to raise Canine Companions for Independence puppies to become future assistance dogs; and I provide stress breaks during finals week on multiple campuses.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT UCA STUDENTS?

UCA students are so friendly! They call out to me just to say “Hi!” and give me a hug. Sometimes they even bring me my favorite snack — carrots.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A SERVICE DOG?

I was bred to be a service dog. I was born in California, which is where all CCI puppies are born, and I lived with my mom and volunteer caretaker until I was 8 weeks old. Then I moved to Orlando, Florida, where I was raised and trained by my volunteer puppy raiser until I was 18 months old. At 18 months, I went to the advanced training center. There, I learned to open doors and drawers, pick up dropped objects, and many other cool jobs. I was matched with my handler during an intensive twoweek training period and began working in my new home in Arkansas. HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME? My CCI friends have started a monthly play date, which is awesome. There are seven CCI dogs in central Arkansas.