PAWS-ing for a Cause: My Canine Companions at UCC

By Features Editor Chloe Barrett

Those who know me are well aware of my love for dogs. They are incredible companions, super adorable, and depending on who you ask, better than children. So, you can only imagine my poorly concealed excitement when I first saw the Canine Companions roaming around our campus. I am not exaggerating when I say that I spent twenty minutes petting those dogs. My day had officially been made. Everyone should get to experience the pure joy that I felt at least once in their life. Now guess what? You can! Those puppies are now frequenters of our glorious campus, and I was able to chat with Dr. Irene Hartigan, a senior lecturer over at the School of Nursing & Midwifery (who runs the initiative), in order to find out pressing matters, such as how the program works and when the dogs are on campus. 

‘This program is not merely about introducing dogs to campus; it’s about fostering a culture of wellbeing, social connection, and compassion.’

Photo: Cliona O’Rourke with two canine companions. Quote from Dr Irene Hartigan.

Could you give me a brief rundown of what My Canine Companion is, and why you are on campus?

My Canine Companion (MCC) stands as a beacon of hope and support for individuals, particularly those with autism, through the provision of expertly trained service dogs. MCC’s presence on the University College Cork (UCC) campus is part of the MCC PAWS (Promoting Academic Wellbeing Supports) @ UCC program, an innovative initiative designed to enhance the academic wellbeing and nurtures support within the university community. This program is not merely about introducing dogs to campus; it’s about fostering a culture of wellbeing, social connection, and compassion.

Co-founder of My Canine Companion, Cliona O’Rourke, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her job as the manager of the largest service dog provider in Ireland. Her favourite breed of dog are poodle crosses, but she also has a particular fondness for Old English dogs, as her first canine companion was a young adult was of this breed.

MCC are internationally accredited by Assistance Dogs International. The charity has over 300 qualified service dogs now working with families nationwide. Each qualified Autism Service dog has a lifetime cost of €15,000. MCC service dog program supports individuals in all counties across the island of Ireland. Cliona and her team are dedicated to ensuring that each service dog receives the best possible training to fulfill their important role in supporting individuals with autism and therapy dogs across institutions, schools, hospitals etc. Cliona excels in teaching lead walking, considering it one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of dog training. My Canine Companion is a non-government funded charity, and MCC continues their work through fundraising and charitable donations.

What have the responses to the dog’s presence around the college been like?

Since MCC’s arrival on campus, the response to the dogs’ presence has been overwhelmingly positive. The sight of our furry companions roaming the halls and participating in various campus activities has brought smiles to countless faces and generated a palpable sense of joy and gratitude among students and staff alike. Their calming influence has helped alleviate stress and anxiety, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the UCC community.

What are the main benefits that these dogs can provide to students?

At the heart of the MCC PAWS @ UCC program there are the myriad benefits that the dogs provide to students and staff. Beyond their role as service animals, these dogs serve as catalysts for emotional support, stress reduction, and companionship. Interacting with them allows students to experience firsthand the benefits of the human-animal bond, fostering feelings of happiness, relaxation, and overall wellbeing. Moreover, the presence of these dogs encourages social interaction and connection among students, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit on campus.

Are there any more events coming up that the dogs are a part of, like the recent Puppy Yoga?

Looking ahead, there are numerous events and activities on the horizon that will further integrate the dogs into campus life. From weekly visits to the Boole library and engagement with various societies across campus, students can look forward to a wide range of opportunities to engage with our furry friends and learn more about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy. These events not only provide valuable resources for students but also serve as platforms for promoting wellbeing, social connection, and compassion within the university community.

‘By actively participating in program activities, attending events featuring the dogs, and spreading awareness about the program within the university community, students can play an integral role in shaping the future of the MCC PAWS @ UCC program and its continued success in supporting the wellbeing of all members of the UCC community.’

Did you know that our very own Opinions Editor Baneen attended the Puppy Yoga? Here is what she said when I asked her how she found it:

‘I found it to be amazing! It was such a relaxing and wholesome experience. It had been a very stressful week for me, my assignment deadlines were looming, and I was still managing placement and my job. I decided to go to Puppy Yoga to blow off steam, to press pause on my hectic schedule. Since I was with a crowd of dog lovers, I knew I was in good company. It was so wholesome to see the amount of joy in the room throughout the session. From the second the dogs came out to the very end, everyone was beaming, smiling from ear to ear, in awe of our furry friends. I found the session to be very therapeutic, but the dogs certainly added to that feeling. Every time that the puppies are out, I make sure to go pet them even if it is just for 5 minutes as I know it will calm me down and improve the outcome of my day.’

I also queried her on if she would attend more events if having dogs there was an incentive, as to which her answer was a resounding…

‘YES! I love the feeling of petting a dog and hyping it up. It reduces my stress significantly and makes me feel instantly happier. Dogs for me are a great dopamine boost. It adds to the value of any event. As someone who does not have a pet dog themselves, it is a great way for me to interact with animals. While as a human, I would be more inclined to go to an event, I also have to recognise that not every event can be dog friendly. We must value the animal; the dog may not have the same attention span as a human and may get easily overwhelmed and it is imperative that we listen to the dog’s needs and get them out as soon as they start to feel uncomfortable. In an event setting, it is important that people are informed prior to it that dogs will be present, some people are afraid of dogs and others cannot touch them due to religious reasons either. So, while yes, I am more inclined, we must make sure that the event is accessible and inclusive for all both humans and animals alike.’

Where can students go to meet the dogs (and puppies!)?

Cliona recently visited the Boole Library with the w-litter and the students were delighted to meet the future superheroes. The dogs’ presence on campus is not limited to specific times or days; rather, they are integrated into the fabric of university life, making regular appearances and participating in various activities throughout the academic year. By maintaining a consistent and visible presence, Cliona and her team aims to ensure that students have ample opportunities to benefit from the therapeutic effects of interacting with our canine companions.

Is there anything that students can do to ensure that the Canine Companion program will continue to run?

As MCC PAWS @ UCC continues to expand and evolve, we invite students and staff to join us in our mission to promote wellbeing, social connection, and compassion on campus. By actively participating in program activities, attending events featuring the dogs, and spreading awareness about the program within the university community, students can play an integral role in shaping the future of the MCC PAWS @ UCC program and its continued success in supporting the wellbeing of all members of the UCC community.

Dr. Irene Hartigan, project lead and senior lecturer in the School of Nursing & Midwifery welcomes students and staff to ‘get in touch’ by emailing paws@ucc.ie.