Magnus the therapy dog soothes students at Yukon College

Being a college student can be a stressful occupation, what with papers, exams, and for many students, living away from their home communities. In Whitehorse, Yukon College has its own "therapy dog" — an English golden retriever named Magnus who works out of the student services office.

Magnus who is 19 months old, has come to work each day with his owner, Angela Neufeld, since he was a puppy. Her job is to offer personal counselling to Yukon College students. His job is to help them feel at ease.

"I think, particularly for young people who have never accessed any kind of counselling or therapy before, it can be quite intimidating," Neufeld says. "He can sort of help to ease that process."

Natasha Rumsey, who graduated from the social work program last semester, says Magnus helps students who are new to the school feel more comfortable.

"I was very excited to see him when I came to classes," she says. "He's a great addition to the staff. If we could have dogs and pets as part of all of our jobs, in every area of life, I think life would be a lot happier." 

Neufeld takes Magnus to classes, a good way of getting attention so she can let students know about the counselling service.

Jennifer Moorlag, supervisor of student services, says she's seen how the dog's calming presence can soothe distraught students. 

"Earlier this year we had a student who came in quite early in the morning and she was clearly in distress," she says.

When Neufeld arrived for work that day, she dropped Magnus' leash at the door of the Student Services office.

"Magnus went in and he saw that student and made a beeline for her," says Moorlag.

"[The student] dropped to her knees on the floor to hug that dog. The dog didn't make her problems go away, but the barriers were broken down about being at the student services centre and having to ask for help."