On Friday Virginia Tech’s College of Veterinary Medicine celebrated the Class of 2020 with an online commencement ceremony.
But unlike other schools they included a Labrador retriever named Moose in the graduating class who received an honorary doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Moose is an 8-year-old therapy dog at Virginia Tech’s Cook Counseling Center.
Moose has been with Virginia Tech since 2014 and is one of the school’s four therapy animals and ambassadors for mental health awareness.
The Labrador retriever attends football games, club events and new student orientations.
Moose also helps students cope with anxiety, trauma and other mental health issues.
According to Moose’s owner who is a licensed counselor, Moose has helped thousands of students and assist in more than 7,500 counseling sessions.
Moose’s owner says that the center now offers more regular open office hours virtually since the pandemic has made it difficult to visit Moose and other dogs for therapy sessions.
Way to go Moose!
Posted – 5.18.20