Molly and Daisy offer Julia a study break.

On September 4, 2018, two Pet Partners therapy animal teams welcomed students to the new semester at Scripps College in Claremont, California. Daisy the Shihtzu mix and Molly the Bouvier des Flandres were there to relieve stress from anxious freshmen, as many of them were experiencing their first time away from home. Returning students enjoyed affection from the dogs as they pondered class loads and the importance of declaring their majors. Even some professors enjoyed giving a hug and pet to the dogs between classes. For some, it was a first-time encounter with Molly and Daisy but for others, it was like seeing dear friends from last semester.

The events are organized throughout the school year by Jennifer Shipley, assistant director of Student Health and Wellness at Scripps College. Shipley contacted Pet Partners to request therapy dog visits at the school. Handlers Shellie Yaseen and Tedd Rosenfeld saw the request on the Pet Partners website and answered the call.

Jennifer Shipley visits with Molly.

“Our programs involving Molly, Daisy, Shellie, and Tedd always have high attendance,” said Shipley. “Students are beginning to recognize this wonderful team and ask when they are going to return. We are excited to offer this program to students, as many find comfort in being with the dogs and see it as a time to de-stress during the busy academic year. We love that Molly, Daisy, Shellie, and Tedd are a part of our Scripps family!”

Daisy and Molly first visited Scripps College last spring. They live together with handlers Shellie Yaseen, Pet Partners instructor, and Tedd Rosenfeld, Pet Partners evaluator and international and domestic program educator. Shellie and Tedd are a husband and wife team conducting handler workshops and team evaluations. Recently, the couple has been traveling domestically and internationally to conduct evaluator practicums.

There are so many places for Pet Partner teams to visit and endless community events to and take part in. College and university visits rank high on Shellie and Tedd’s list of volunteer stops. They both enjoy helping students cope with the challenges of college life, and talking with tomorrow’s leaders.

Story provided by Tedd Rosenfeld