'Canines on Campus' (and Smokey the cat) return to Western Libraries Nov. 28

Beginning Monday, Nov. 28 through Thursday, Dec. 8, Western Libraries will once again be joined by members of the “Canines on Campus” registered therapy animal program. Teams of our favorite humans and animals (which still include Smokey the cat!) will be located in the gallery space at the end of the Skybridge on the Wilson side of the library, off and on between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during both the week preceding and the week of final exams. 

A schedule which includes the names of the volunteers, photos of the animals, and the times when they will be available for visiting, will be posted on an easel in the designated gallery area beginning the morning of Monday, November 28. 

During this two-week period, this space will be reserved exclusively for the registered Canines on Campus therapy animal program, and animals who are not official Canines on Campus volunteers are not permitted in this area. Additionally, Western Libraries would like to remind everyone that while service animals are welcome in the library, pets are not permitted inside library facilities.

Therapy animals have a special aptitude for interacting with people, providing affection and comfort during their visits with the public. The therapy animals who are part of the Canines on Campus program are registered through several different agencies and have met certain standards of skills and aptitude. Whatcom Therapy Dogs and Dogs on Call are the two organizations which provide volunteers to the Canines on Campus program.

Stop by the library to say hello to the animals and de-stress when you are in need of a break from studying for finals, working on projects, or writing those last few papers!

If you have any questions about this therapy animal program or need additional information, please contact Connie.Mallison@wwu.edu