As University of Redlands students went about their typical Friday, they were treated to a nice surprise from four energetic, furry friends.
The Inland Empire Therapy Dogs (IETD) organization brought four dogs to the University of Redlands from 12-1 p.m. on March 21 outside of Hunsaker Center. As students went around admiring and petting these animals, they were also given cards with information on the friendly canines.
Photo credit: McKenzie Rose
IETD is a non-profit organization based in Redlands that provides therapy dog training along with certification, and coordinates visits to schools, hospitals as well as other community events. Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc. and AKC Canine Good Citizen provide weekly Therapy Dog certification and training. These programs, as well as the visits, are free of cost. In addition to belly rubs and head scratches, these therapy dogs help students learn how to read and improve their communication skills through their Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ) program.
Students walk around petting IETD therapy dogs in Hunsaker Plaza on March 21. Farley, a male Goldendoodle born on Oct. 21, 2020, stands center frame while Liberty, a female Shepherd Mix born on Dec. 1, 2021, is on his right. Photo Credit: McKenzie Rose 
American Labrador Retriever Dyson gets some belly rubs from his handler during the March 21 IETD therapy dogs visit. Known for being energetic, friendly and outgoing, Labrador Retrievers like Dyson make great therapy dogs. Photo Credit: McKenzie Rose
This visit was scheduled by Hailey Hemsworth ‘26, a resident assistant for Anderson Hall, to bring comfort and joy to campus. This is not the first time therapy dogs have visited the University of Redlands, as man’s best friends made appearances twice in the previous academic year through the Doing Activities With Great Spirit student organization.
Hemsworth’s efforts proved worthwhile, as there was enthusiastic chatter both during the dogs’ visit and afterwards. In fact, Hemsworth said she would love to host therapy dogs again as an RA activity if IETD is able to come. After all, it would help her meet the RAs’ requirement of hosting monthly programs.
“I host smaller scale monthly programs for my residence hall that also focus on mental/physical health or school related things,” she said. “But it was my first time opening up an event to the whole community so that’s something I’m interested in doing in the future!”
McKenzie Rose is a freshman at Redlands with interests in Environmental Studies and Journalism. She worked for the last three years as a freelance journalist with the Hermiston Herald, a newspaper near her hometown of Echo, Oregon. She is looking forward to covering the interesting, the exciting, and the intriguing happenings at the university for the Redlands Bulldog!
