Paws for a Break
What is Paws for a Break?
The Veterinary Medicine Library designed the Paws for a Break program to provide the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) community with a few moments of relaxation, animal interaction, and positive distraction. The program utilizes animal assisted intervention to provide a mutually beneficial relationship that positively influences the wellbeing of the community.
With all the meetings, sick patients, and exams, it's nice to take a moment to pet a dog and catch your breath!
Who are our volunteers?
Christina & Beckett
Beckett is a 4 year old, male Great Pyrenees/Poodle mix and is registered with Pet Partners. He was rescued by Christina and her family in November 2020 when he was 7 months old. At around 98 pounds, his sweet and calm nature makes him a gentle giant. In their free time, Beckett and his family enjoy hiking. Some of his favorite things are peanut butter, teenagers (especially his human brothers), and his furry brother, Duke the Beagle!
Fun Facts: He has quite the volunteer roster! In addition to NC State CVM, he also volunteers at Compass Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Mebane and for the Paws for Reading program at the Mebane and Burlington public libraries.
If you are interested in Beckett's adventures, follow him on Instagram @beckettthetherapydog!
Petra & Rosi
Rosi is a 5 year old, female Old Scotch Collie and is registered with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Petra is a veterinary technician who has worked with the Cardiology service in the CVM's Teaching Hospital for 25 years. In their free time, they enjoy agility, obedience training, tricks, scent work, and dock diving. Some of Rosi's favorite things are belly and back rubs, hugs, and neck scratches! She also loves herding - mostly livestock but sometimes also her older brother Stewie, a 10 year old Jack Russell Terrier.
Fun Facts: Rosi was named after Petra's sister and is pronounced ROH-ZEE. Petra has a teddy bear knit entirely from Rosi's hair.
Megan & Ivy
Ivy is a 5 year old Golden Retriever and is a certified therapy dog through Canines for Therapy. Her human, Megan, is a registered veterinary technician who works in CVM’s Teaching Hospital as a floating clinical technician. Ivy enjoys hiking, swimming, going to the beach, playing fetch, and cuddles.
Fun Facts: Ivy and Megan regularly compete in the sport of dock diving with dockdogs. They recently traveled to compete in the dockdogs World Championship.
Where are the visits?
The volunteer teams are available in the Veterinary Medicine Library, which is located on the lower level of the CVM Main Building. Once inside, go downstairs under the whale skeleton, through the doors, and turn right. If you have trouble accessing the building, finding the library, or need access to the elevator, please contact the CVM reception desk or library service desk.
CVM Reception Desk (919) 513 - 6768
Library Service Desk (919) 513 - 6218
Do you have questions?
For common questions, check out this FAQ.
For other inquiries, contact the Veterinary Medicine Library.
Considerations
Animal Assisted Activities do not replace therapy.
If you need information on therapy, counseling, and wellbeing resources, please contact CVM Counseling.
If you, or someone you know, is in need of immediate support, in crisis, and/or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988.
Animal Interactions
If you have allergies, a fear of animals, or do not wish to interact with the volunteer animals for any reason, you are empowered to decline interaction. Please keep in mind that the volunteer teams will be on-site and utilize publicly accessible entrances and exits. Additionally, handlers will have access to certain areas in order to relieve their animal companions as necessary.