Dr. Moose is the canine psychologist available through the University student counseling services and he has a big birthday coming up in May.
Doug Hankes, director of student counseling services, is a licensed psychologist and works with Dr. Moose.
"Dr. Moose worked as a detection dog with Auburn University Canine Performance Services before he was retrained to become a therapy dog," Hankes said. "He will 9-years-old on May 2."
Hankes said Dr. Moose works in individual and group therapy sessions when it's been determined the clients would benefit from animal assisted therapy.
"He also goes out on campus and does outreach events," Hankes said. "Dr. Moose is very good at destigmatizing mental health issues. Students will approach a dog much quicker than they will a mental health professional."
While being trained, Hankes said Dr. Moose received perfect scores.
"Dr. Moose passed both his Therapy Dog International AKC Good Citizen tests," Hankes said. "He trained for about three months before he took his tests. Not surprisingly, Dr. Moose had perfect scores."
Hankes said Dr. Moose is easily everyone's favorite staff member at Student Counseling Services.
"Everyone loves him," Hankes said. "He has allowed many clients to experience breakthroughs in their therapy by his presence and interaction. He is especially effective with clients who have trauma-related issues."
Hankes said Dr. Moose's tasks are simple, but very effective.
"Dr. Moose just puts everyone at ease and makes them happy."
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