Lily the therapy dog being introduced to students at SUNTEP in Prince Albert. paNOW staff   

By Doug Lett

SUNTEP Therapy Dog

Therapy dog a hit at SUNTEP

Jan 27, 2023 | 2:00 PM

Lily the therapy dog made a big impression on a room full of students at SUNTEP in Prince Albert.

“She’s beautiful, and as soon as she walked in the room I saw everyone’s face light up,” said Chessa Billo, a first-year SUNTEP student.

Billo and others lined up to meet Lily, petting her, smiling, and enjoying the opportunity.

Lily took it all in stride. Her calm, friendly demeanour went over well.

“I think she’s awesome,” said Haley Trumier, another first-year student. “I think our students will really enjoy it and really benefit.”

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Haley Trumier and other students lined up to spend a few moments with Lily. paNOW staff.

It’s the kind of reaction SUNTEP officials were hoping for.

Prince Albert SUNTEP has sponsored Lily, who is part of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program.

The hope is that regular weekly visits by Lily will help take away some of the stress faced by students at SUNTEP, (Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program) which offers a four-year education degree.

“We know there’s been some research based on studies that just being around a dog can help to alleviate some of those anxieties and stressors,” said Bonnie Novotny, Program Head for SUNTEP in PA. “Stressors don’t just stop during exams, they carry on through the whole academic term. So we want this to be a relationship that can be ongoing and continuous,” she said, adding there are opportunities for students to schedule more time with Lily if need be.

Lily is a year old, and a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and Goldendoodle.

“Even as a little puppy, she was just so chill,” said handler Kathy Nagy, adding it was Lily’s calm and friendly behavior that led her to believe she might be a good therapy dog. And she was proved right.

“We went down there and she rocked,” added Nagy. “It was an extensive exam she had to do, where people are throwing things at her and yelling and screaming with walkers, and banging pots and pans.”

Because students will likely end up as teachers, with classrooms of their own, Novotny is also hoping Lily can pass on a few lessons.

“So we’re hoping that that will help them step out of the box in terms of thinking about different avenues to help students with situations or stressors…and also to help manage their own stress,” she said.

And judging by Lily’s first day in the class, it seems to be working.

“Having Lily, a big fluffy dog in our school, I think it’ll definitely put smiles on our students’ faces,” said Trumier.