Meet Dani: Halifax university welcomes therapy dog to help students through stress, loneliness

Dani the therapy dog brings good vibes to the Mount Saint Vincent campus.

A university in Halifax has a new face on campus, but it’s not a student or teacher.

Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) recently welcomed Dani, a St. John Ambulance therapy dog.

Her owner, Todd MacDonald, is a residence life manager on campus and St. John Ambulance volunteer.

He’s had Dani for eight years and the duo got certified through St. John Ambulance last year.

“When I first got Dani she would not have passed the certification because she was a very rambunctious, runaround dog,” MacDonald says.

“But as she’s gotten a little bit older she’s really kind of calmed down and has the kind of nice energy to sit with students and just really give them some stress release when they need it from heavy school work, lots of exams and different things like that.”

Dani usually comes to MSVU once a week and visits the library and other places on campus.

She’s also helpful for students who are away from home and might be missing their own furry friend.

“It gives me that sense of warmth and love that I know a dog can give, that is helpful in the sense that I miss my dog so much and having Dani around kind of fills that void that I have, so it’s really good,” said student Ana Nobre.

“It’s a way to know that I’m going to get my mind off of everything I have to accomplish school-wise and have some time to just be at the library with my favourite therapy dog.”

Another student adds Dani is also good at bringing people together.

“I have a lot of classes and a lot of labs, so I don’t have a lot of time in the day, but every time I walk through the library to get between my classes I can always stop by and just see her for a minute or two on my way,” said Tayvie Cunningham.

“Also see my other coworkers and other students that I know and be able to just have a reason to stop and chat when I have such a busy schedule. She’s very easy to gather around.”

The university says Dani will be leaving for summer vacation later this month and will be back on campus on Thursdays in late June or early July.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Paul DeWitt

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