Spend some time with our friendly therapy dogs at the Wellness Lounge – it’s a great way to de-stress from your busy student schedule.
The Therapy Dog program is made available at the University of Ottawa through the department of Health Promotion, in partnership with Ottawa Therapy Dogs and other local therapy dog organizations. The program starts in September and runs until the end of March.
We are currently not accommodating private bookings for therapy dog sessions. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Chihuahua
Organization: Ottawa Therapy Dogs
Fun Facts: Hi! I’m Mayday. I’m turning six soon, and let me tell you—I’m living my best life! I’m a professional friend-maker and my mom’s favourite distraction when she’s “busy” with work. My favourite thing in the whole wide world? Going on bike rides to the dog park! The wind in my fur and the smells in the air are pure magic. Once I get there, I make the rounds, wagging my tail at every pup and greeting every human like we’ve been best friends forever. I am also a bit of a food snob, but I’ve never met a cheese I didn’t like. I am pretty new at this therapy gig…. And so far, I’m loving it! My motto is simple: Life’s too short not to wag often and love everyone.
Labrador Retriever
Organization: Ottawa Therapy Dogs
Fun Facts: Woof, woof! My name is Kaos, although some days my Mom says it should be spelled Chaos. I am a four-year-old black Labrador Retriever. I learned to swim in a pool with a floatie, and it took me a while to realize that it isn’t part of the deal. The best toy ever is an empty water bottle with a couple of cheesies in it … mmm, my favourite treat. Even if the cap is screwed on, I can get it off and get to those cheesies in no time. Although I’m a big boy, I believe no dog is too big to be a lap dog. Be prepared for me to try to sit in your lap if you sit on the floor. I love scritches behind my ears and belly rubs.
Goldendoodle
Organization: Ottawa Therapy Dogs
Fun Facts: Grrr!
Just kidding!!! I don’t have a mean bone in my entire body.
Hi! My name is Douglas. I am a 6 year old Goldendoodle. People say I am a large boy, maybe I am. But it’s not my fault I take up a lot of space. My Mom says I get in the way a lot, but I just want to be around her all the time. Watch out! You might trip over me if you’re not careful.
I love to run just about more than anything, especially if I am chasing a ball. The next best thing I like to do is lying down and relaxing. I can lie down and relax the whole day!
And I like meeting people. That’s why I am coming to visit. I would love to meet you! Please feel free to pet me and rub my belly.
Labrador retriever
Organization: Ottawa Therapy Dogs
I’m nine years old, and I started my life as a guide dog trainee with Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. At four months old, I was placed in a “puppy walker” home, where I was very happy. At 18 months old, I entered formal training to become a guide dog. It wasn’t for me, though, since I prefer to play rather than work. So I went back to my puppy walkers and am living a happy life! I’m a typical lab and love food. I could eat all day. I especially love fruit treats in the morning. The next-best things are going for a long walk, snuggling and getting a nice belly rub. I’m a very friendly, mild-mannered guy. I love people and other dogs!
Bernedoodle
Organization: Ottawa Therapy Dogs
I’m six years old, and I have 11 brothers and sisters. Because our mom’s name was Syrup, we were all named after breakfast foods. Before I left the farm, I was known as Chocolate Waffle, but you can call me Lucie.
A good day is a walk to the dog park to hang out with my fur friends. But because I love people, a great day is visiting those who just need some quiet comfort. At daycare, they call me the Zen Girl.
My motto is “Why stand when you can sit? Why sit when you can lie down?”
Lagotto Romagnolo
Fun facts: I’m Gobibear, a three-year-old sand-coloured lagotto Romagnolo. I’m pretty smart, but I’ve also got a silly side. Crashing my skateboard into the kitchen appliances? Classic move. I love doing search and rescue work, especially helping find lost pets. It feels good to put my nose to work! I also spend time hunting mice in the orchard (they never see me coming) and picking up cool new tricks. Right now, I’m training hard for my Expert Trick Dog title.
Brown lagotto Romagnolo
Fun facts: My name’s Zippo, and I’m a four-year-old lagotto Romagnolo with a snazzy white and brown coat. People say I was trained to be a truffle hunter (and I am pretty good at it), but I love therapy work even more. Making people smile is kind of my superpower. When I was a pup, I had this white teddy bear I carried everywhere. I even made sure to keep it clean. I used to sit right in the middle of the room, quietly waiting for someone to give me a nice pat. That’s when Anne realized I might just be perfect as a therapy dog. I live with Anne on a lovely farm. It’s the best! I get to chase mice in the orchard (so fun!) and snack on fallen apples when no one’s looking.
