The Counseling Center is excited to offer Animal Assisted Therapy for Wheaton students. Our resident therapy dog, Tito, will be available on scheduled days for individual therapy sessions and same-day emergency appointments. He’ll also make appearances on campus for all students to enjoy some cuteness overload. Research shows that interacting with therapy animals can be a great way to manage stress, anxiety and homesickness. Plus, Tito offers lots of comfort for students who are missing their own pets at home.
We will notify students who have appointments at the Counseling Center if Tito will be present at the time of their appointment. Students will have the option to opt out of working with Tito, without question or prejudice. Set offices within the Counseling Center will be dog-free zones to aid with aversions and allergy related concerns. In addition to his work within the Counseling Center, Tito will go for leisurely strolls around campus, make appearances at some campus events, and even has his own “office hours.”
Meet Tito
Tito is a six-year old Australian Cattle Dog mix. He lives with Carly Ladd, Assistant Director of Counseling, and is the newest member of the Counseling Staff at Wheaton. Tito is a certified Therapy Dog and is also certified as Canine Good Citizen, which assesses a dog’s mastery of basic commands and positive behaviors.
Despite being a notoriously high-energy breed, Tito is actually a very low-energy guy. When he isn’t working at Wheaton, Tito enjoys playing with his favorite rubber ball, chewing on an ethically-sourced antler and sunbathing. Tito appreciates a good head scratch and will befriend anyone with a treat in hand.
Tuesdays with Tito
Tuesdays with Tito is a weekly, drop-in event that takes place outside of the Counseling Center—either on the Dimple, in the Commuter Lounge in Balfour, or Conger Commons. All students are invited to take a “paws” in their day to enjoy some play time and snuggles with Tito. Information regarding dates and times can be found on Tito’s Instagram, @TherapyDogTito.