Happy Retirement,
Muddy Puddles!

The University’s long-time embedded therapy dog, Muddy Puddles, was guest of honor at an all-campus party with a pack of his therapy dog buddies on May 6.

The party coincided with the University’s last day of classes — an especially stressful time for students, according to the WCU Counseling Center, which schedules multiple therapy dog visits at several campus locations throughout the academic year, and holds a large gathering at the end of each semester.

Rachel Daltry, chair of WCU’s Department of Counseling & Psychological Services and Counseling Center director, is the licensed psychologist and professor who is Muddy’s human. She says, “Muddy is now enjoying long naps, long walks, and spending time with his grandparents during his retirement. I keep saying he will be a visiting professor and come back to campus occasionally for visits.”

Daltry confirms she is “working to get Muddy’s little adopted sister, Moosey, whom I adopted last June, certified as a therapy dog. She has been making visits to campus. We currently have Ruby in our office. She is a black Lab owned by Michele Cooper, one of our counselors.”

The whole campus showed appreciation for Muddy on a virtual chat board and guests signed cards at the event, where they also enjoyed games, giveaways, and decorating cupcakes in addition to de-stressing with the dozen therapy dogs in attendance.