Radford University’s Tartan Tails program recognized four new canine graduates at its annual Barkalaureate ceremony on a sunny Tuesday, April 21, in front of the main entrance of McConnell Library.
Tartan Tails is an initiative of Radford University First Lady Kay Danilowicz. Now in its fourth year, the program promotes happiness and well-being among students, faculty and staff across the Radford University community through positive interactions with trained and certified animals.
At the ceremony, new graduates and their handlers received certificates for completing the extensive training program over the past year that is required to be part of the therapy program.
“Tartan Tails is a powerful well-being program that enriches our campus community,” Susan Trageser, Radford’s vice president for student affairs, said in opening the ceremony. “Tartan Tails consistently brings joy, sparks smiles and helps reduce stress for our students. And let's be honest, for faculty and staff, it reduces stress and brings joy for us, too.”
Most of the handlers of this year’s graduates are familiar faces around campus.
Receiving certification were Ozloe, a Redtick Coonhound, and handler Jessie Beckett, the director of the Harvey Center for Learning and Writing; Maverick, a chocolate Lab, and School of Communication Professor Sandra French; Birdie, a Labrador retriever, and Student Involvement Director Jen Rentschler; and Bonny, an Australian shepherd, with owner and Tartan Tails partner Jim Caldwell.
“Today, you're being recognized, not for grades or dissertations, but for being the ulti-mutt comforter,” the first lady said. “You have the ability to make people feel better with a wag, a snuggle and the occasional well-placed drool. If compassion were a competition, you'd all be best in show.”
To the handlers, Danilowicz said, “You turn basic commands – sit, stay and lay – into therapy goals, proof that sometimes the best medicine has four legs and a wet nose.”
Pet therapy is well regarded for its many benefits, including stress and anxiety reduction, while also enhancing mood and overall healing. The benefits can produce “un-furrrrrr-gettable magic,” said the first lady and prolific punster.
“Woof,” Maverick interjected, lying under a shade tree awaiting the well-earned certificate.
Danilowicz recognized many of the helpers who make Tartan Tails possible, including Hi-D-Ho Dog Training in Christiansburg, Virginia. “You're all committed to our campus and our mission of promoting well-being,” she said. “I can't thank you enough for contributing your time and effort to the success of this program. Our campus needs more of what you bring.”