Therapy Dogs at GateWay
A therapy dog is specially trained to provide comfort, support, and a calming presence that helps reduce stress in a variety of settings. At GateWay, our therapy dogs play an important role in supporting students’ mental and emotional well-being, as well as their academic success.
Our dogs are certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and are fully insured. They work in the Counseling Department with a mission to bring smiles and joy to everyone on campus. You may see them visiting classrooms, campus resources, and departments, or joining college events.
They can even be part of a counseling appointment, just let us know when you schedule, and Dash or Presley would love to meet you!
Meet Dash:
Dash is GateWay Community College's therapy dog. A therapy dog is a canine that is trained to provide comfort, support, and affection to children and adults. Therapy dogs can have a significant impact on students’ lives, both on their mental and emotional health and also on their academic success. Dash is a 65-pound labradoodle certified and insured by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. He works full-time in the Counseling Department with a mission to bring smiles and joy to everyone on campus. At times, he visits classrooms, campus resources, and departments and attends college events. He can also attend a counseling appointment if you would like. Please schedule a counseling appointment with Dash, he would love to meet you!
Meet Presley:
Yes, he is named after Elvis Presley! This handsome black Lab mix is a gentle giant with a truly golden heart. While he may be a little reserved upon first meeting, Presley's sweet and affectionate nature blossoms once he feels comfortable. His calm and steady demeanor creates a soothing presence, making him a wonderful listener and a source of comfort, particularly in easing anxiety and promoting decompression. Presley is eager to share his quiet strength and offer his gentle love and companionship to those who would benefit from his therapeutic presence
