- Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Of course! My name is Rachael (MW) and I am a second year MA student in Rehabilitation Counseling! I am from Comstock Park, Mi, which is a small town just a few minutes north of Grand Rapids. I went to undergrad at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, where I studied psychology and biology. At the Writing Center, I am both the Bessey and Union coordinator. For fun, I like to read, go horseback riding, go thrifting, go camping, and spend time with my family and friends!
- About Tucker?
Tucker is an English Cream Golden Retriever who is currently in training to become a therapy dog! He just turned 1 and a half (his birthday is August 9th), so he is very much still a puppy. His favorite activities include going to work at the Writing Center, swimming, walks in the woods, and getting pup-cups from Biggby.
- Has training Tucker influenced or supported your long term career goals?
Absolutely! I am training Tucker to act as a therapy dog for my future counseling clients. Therapy animals fall under the branch of animal-assisted therapy, which has many physical and psychological benefits (such as reducing stress/anxiety, lowering blood pressure, supporting pro-social behaviors, etc.). Having and training Tucker is thus a huge aspect of my future career plans!
- What inspired you to train Tucker as a therapy dog, and how did you get started?
Growing up, I had always envisioned my future career to involve working with animals. I had considered becoming a veterinarian, owning a boarding facility, or even working at a zoo. But when I was in highschool, I had battled a thyroid disease, which had a huge impact on my life. Due to negative experiences with the healthcare system, I had felt inspired to become a doctor; I wanted to help people in the ways my doctor was never able to help me. So when I was in undergrad, I had plans of graduating and going straight to medical school. However, as I advanced in my studies and was simultaneously working with folks who had Alzheimers and dementia, I learned I was much more interested in mental health. Thus, I switched my career plans yet again, and began focusing on becoming a counselor. This is when I realized I could combine both of my passions–animals and healthcare–to work as a counselor who provides animal-assisted therapy. I fully believe God allowed me to experience all of the things I did in order to get me to this point in my journey!
In terms of getting started with Tucker, I began researching therapy dogs at least a year or two before I even had him in my life. I learned about the training process, what breeds have the best temperament for this work, and all of the logistics that go into raising a puppy. From this, I knew I had wanted an English Cream Golden Retriever, because not only do they have the right personality for therapy work, but they’re also typically healthier than their American Golden Retriever counterparts. For reference, American goldens are darker colored (ranging from a dark golden to red) and are more prone to health complications due to a history of unhealthy breeding practices. Growing up, I had an American Golden Retriever who sadly passed when she was only 8 years old due to cancer. So, making sure I had a healthy dog was very important to me.
I began thoroughly searching for a puppy shortly after moving to East Lansing and starting my classes at MSU. I actually stumbled across Tucker on a Craigslist ad, and knew right away he was a puppy I couldn’t pass by. Typically, Golden Retriever puppies can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000, but Tucker was only $600 (I like to joke I got Tucker on sale). As a college student with limited funds, I knew this was something I had to look into. But, I also knew Tucker was going to need the right temperament for the goals I had in mind for us. So, upon meeting Tucker when he was only 8 weeks old, I conducted what is known as a “puppy temperament test”. This test contained a series of steps, which measured how Tucker reacted to certain situations and sounds, and he needed to obtain all 3’s on the scoring sheet to indicate he had the right personality for therapy work. As I’m sure you could guess, Tucker passed the test and has been in my life since that very day!
From there, my life consisted of going to work, going to class, training Tucker, and getting him healthy. I didn’t know it when I first brought Tucker home, but quickly discovered he wasactually very, very sick. He had every type of worm a dog can get as well as two types of parasites, and it took months before Tucker was feeling better. But, by the time Tucker was about 4 months old, he was healthy and fully vaccinated. This meant I could start training Tucker in public places, and I was able to start bringing him to my classes as well as the Writing Center. This played a pivotal role in Tuckers training progress, as it socialized him and helped him learn what is expected of him when he is working. I will forever be so grateful to the Writing Center for all of their support throughout this process!
- Can you share a bit about Tucker’s personality and what makes him a good fit for therapy work?
Tucker is a very good boy. When he’s wearing his therapy dog vest, he knows that he is supposed to be in ‘work mode’. When he’s working, he is very calm and will sleep the majority of the time. But when someone comes to say hello to him, he will always be happy to sit for pets and give kisses. He loves every person he has ever met, including young children as well as older adults. This is what makes him a good therapy dog: he is friendly, loving, and responds well to the directions I give him. Yet, when he’s not in work mode, he acts the same as any other dog. A lot of people are surprised to learn Tucker has a very crazy side, where he runs around the house and tries to get into things he shouldn’t. He is a goofball and has the biggest, loveliest personality.
- What kind of training or certification process is Tucker going through?
Since Tucker began coming to the Writing Center last spring, his training has also included taking several classes. He took a general obedience class when he was around six months old, as well as a pre-therapy dog training class when he was 10 months old. Tucker also passed his AKC Canine Good Citizen test (which has a series of steps to test his training and manners) at 11 months old; this was very impressive because most dogs are much older and require more training before they can pass this test. Currently, Tucker is still in training. He is taking a few private training lessons, and his certifying therapy dog class will be sometime later this spring! Once the certifying class is completed, he will officially be a therapy dog!
- What’s a typical day like for you and Tucker when you’re both working in the center?
I always set my alarm two hours before Tucker and I are scheduled to be in Bessey Hall in the morning. This gives me enough time to hit snooze for half an hour, get ready for the day, and feed Tucker breakfast and walk him outside to do his business. We then hop in the car and drive to campus. While at the Writing Center, I’ll usually tie Tucker to the table where I’m sitting, and he’ll sleep quietly while I do my work. He’ll also happily greet anyone who comes to the table, and sometimes people will come into the center specifically just to see Tucker; this always makes me so happy. After work, we’ll go for a walk, and I might take a short nap if I have time. In the past, my classes were all in person, but this semester they are all online. When my classes were in person, Tucker and I would head back to campus in the evenings. But now, we either go to the Union for my second Writing Center shift or work on coursework from home. Then at night, Tucker and I both eat dinner and head to bed so we can do it all again the next morning!
- How has having Tucker in the writing center changed the atmosphere or dynamic during your shifts?
I feel that having Tucker in the Writing Center has positively changed both the atmosphere and dynamic. He seems to make the center feel more warm and inviting, and our staff enjoy saying hello and goodbye to him when they arrive or leave their shifts. Tucker also acts as a source of stress relief and humor, which can help when someone is having a difficult day.
- Do you notice any changes in how students engage with writing or with you as a tutor when Tucker is around?
Most writers who visit the center are often thrilled when they find I have a dog lying under the table, and they’re even more thrilled upon learning he is a therapy dog and that they are allowed to pet him. Having Tucker there often helps to create a sense of ease, especially when a writer is stressed or frustrated about an assignment they are working on. Having Tucker around often adds an extra layer of joy to each of my in-person appointments.
- What are some of the benefits you’ve observed in combining animal-assisted therapy with academic support?
Like mentioned, some of the benefits I’ve observed in combining animal-assisted therapy with academic support is stress and anxiety relief. Many students come into the Writing Center feeling overwhelmed by their assignments, but when they see Tucker, they forget about that stress for a moment and enjoy being with a dog. Tucker also has a way of creating a welcoming, calming atmosphere, which helps students to feel more comfortable discussing their writing.
- What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing Tucker has done while at the writing center?
The funniest and most unexpected thing Tucker has done while at the Writing Center was jump on one of our former graduate assistant directors, Dr. Bethany Meadows. This occurred following our fall social event, where all of us in attendance wondered what would happen if I let Tucker off his leash. So, after closing all of the doors, we let Tucker have free reign of the center. He was confused and tremendously excited over his new found freedom, and thus, jumped (or rather, attempted to tackle) Bethany.
- How has bringing Tucker to work shaped your own experience as a writing tutor?
I think having Tucker around has helped me to better connect with writers. When I start a face-to-face consultation, I always start by asking the writer if they like dogs and/or if they’re comfortable having a dog present at the table. Most of the time, writers are happy to see Tucker and give him lots of love. When this happens, I have found that this helps to set the tone of the consultation. Having Tucker around helps to provide students encouragement, and it seems to help make each consultation more personable and productive.
- What advice would you give to someone considering incorporating a therapy animal into their work environment?
I would highly encourage anyone considering incorporating a therapy animal into their work environment to do it, as it is very fulfilling and well worth the effort! However, I would also advise them of the difficulties associated with training a therapy dog. It’s important to ensure the animal is well-trained, comfortable in different environments, and enjoys interacting with people. Not every dog is suited for therapy work, so understanding their temperament and training needs is crucial. It is also important to do your research! Therapy animals do not have the same access rights as service animals, so it is not legally required for employers or public entities to accommodate them. Yet, the impact a therapy animal can have on others makes all the effort completely worth any unexpected hurdles!
- If Tucker could give writing advice, what do you think he’d say?
I think Tucker would encourage the writer to just keep trying. I think Tucker is a firm believer in trying your best, and not to be discouraged when things don’t go as planned. I think Tucker would want the writer to always do what they can, even if that changes or looks different in different moments or times.
- What has been the most rewarding part of training Tucker as a therapy dog?
Hands down, the most rewarding part of training Tucker as a therapy dog has been seeing all of the joy he brings to others. I am always thrilled when someone wants to spend time with Tucker, even if it is just a quick second to say hello and give him a pat on the head. By having Tucker around to bring others joy, it helps me to feel like I myself am able to bring other people joy. It is very fulfilling and rewarding, and I can confidently say I will never grow tired of it!
- Do you and Tucker have a favorite way to unwind after a long day?
After a long day, Tucker and I both love to go to the dog park. When the weather is nice, we like to go there so Tucker can play with all the dogs as well as say hi to their owners. One of Tucker’s funnier quirks is that a lot of the time, after running to play with the dogs, he likes to sit at one of their owners’ feet so they’ll pet time. It’s very endearing to see the happiness this brings to the owners, because it’s not something other dogs typically do when they go to the dog park. And for another example, Tucker and I also love to unwind by taking naps and sleeping in during the morning. Tucker sleeps in just as late as I do, and he is very polite to not wake me up early to feed him his breakfast. I often joke how he’s not a morning person (dog)!
- How has Tucker’s presence influenced your perspective on the role of emotional support in education?
Tucker’s presence has helped me to further see the value of emotional support in education. I’ve seen firsthand how his presence can transform a student’s experience—whether by providing comfort during a stressful moment, making the Writing Center feel more inviting, or helping with idea generating. His presence has shown me that learning isn’t just about academics; emotional well-being plays a huge role in a student’s ability to succeed. By integrating therapy animals or other forms of emotional support into educational environments, we can create spaces that are not only academically enriching but also mentally and emotionally supportive.
- If Tucker could describe his experience in the writing center, what do you think he’d say?
I think Tucker would say, in a silly dog voice, “I love it. I love the people, I love all my friends, and I love when I get to make new friends. My mom calls it going to work, but I call it going to see my friends. I wouldn’t want to do anything else or have my life any other way.”
- What is the most special part of your bond with Tucker?
Tucker and I just seem to understand one another. He senses my moods, and I’m able to sense his moods. He means the world to me, and I know I mean the world to him. I love taking him with me just about everywhere I go, and when I can’t, it feels like a big part of me is missing. Having Tucker has been such a blessing in my life, and I truly don’t know what I would be doing without him. And I must say, whoever said ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ never had a dog!
- If you could describe Tucker in one word, what would it be?
Out of all of these questions, I think this has been the most difficult one to ponder. How do I choose just one word to encapsulate such a loving, unique, and quirky personality? But, if I had to, I would choose: irreplaceable. Tucker means the world to me, and although he has quirks just like any other dog, I wouldn’t wish for things to be any other way. Tucker has taught me so many valuable life lessons (patience, perseverance, etc.), and I know I am a better person because I have him in my life. At the end of the day, I just hope Tucker knows how loved and appreciated he is, not only by me (but mostly by me), but by everyone else he meets in his little (big) life.
