Photograph courtesy Miami University
Miami University is home to a robust therapy dog program that started in 2008. Some of the dogs, including Okie, Poppy, and Duck, have weekly office hours at the Clinical Health and Wellness Center on campus. Among the four-legged mental health experts that interact with students are two of Miami’s most recognizable furry friends—golden retriever Ivy Crawford, who recently became certified as a therapy dog, and her younger brother Newton, a 4-year-old golden retriever therapy veteran. Both are handled by University Ambassador Renate Crawford, with support from her husband, Miami President Gregory Crawford. Here, Newton and Ivy talk about their experience as therapy dogs at Miami.
Photograph courtesy Miami University
Tell us about your names.
Ivy: Miami is known as a public ivy. President Crawford says that means it’s an ivy league college at a public school price. That’s where the name Ivy comes from.
Newton: Both of my parents are physicists, so President Crawford and Ambassador Crawford named me after Sir Isaac Newton.
Ivy, congratulations on your recent certification! How does it feel to finally join the therapy dog team?
Ivy: Thank you! I’ve been watching Newton have all the fun for years now, so I’m excited to finally be a therapy dog too. They say it’s never too late to go back to school. I didn’t exactly do well in my first try as a service dog, but I’ve found my true calling now, thanks to Therapy Dogs International.
Photograph courtesy Miami University
Tell us about the path you took to get to your new role.
Ivy: I first went through training with 4 Paws for Ability, which places service dogs with children and veterans who have disabilities. The program is very rigorous and they need dogs who can focus. The Crawfords like to say I didn’t “flunk out”—I just took a little time off before changing my major. I’m more of a people person and I really like treats—I had a hard time with the “leave it” command when we walk past treats, and I have to try really hard to get it right.
Photograph courtesy Miami University
You’ve been a therapy dog for three years now, Newton. What’s your favorite part of the job?
Newton: Meeting the students and getting to explore all corners at one of the most beautiful campuses. There’s a lot of grass to roll around in! I also love finals week—there’s always so many students who need a good snuggle before a big exam. It’s the best job on campus!
We hear you two have very different personalities. How would you describe each other?
Ivy: Newton has no cares in the world. He’s goofy and loves everybody.
Newton: She’s calm and loyal, but she especially loves President Crawford.
Photograph courtesy Miami University
What’s a typical day like for you both?
Newton: I visit the counseling center, residence halls, work with student athletes, and sometimes we go to local K–12 schools in the Talawanda and Hamilton school districts.
Ivy: I get to do some of the bigger campus events, splitting time with Newton. I’m excited to be a Miami University therapy dog and meet the students.
Any advice for people trying to manage stress like Miami students?
Ivy: Take more walks and find time for yourself! And more treats.
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