Taking Pete's Pet Posse Virtual

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Dear Cowboy Family,

COVID-19 has impacted our Cowboy family in countless ways, and the spring 2020 semester saw many changes to our traditional way of learning and working. Transitioning to online classes, closing campus to visitors and moving employees to virtual workspaces presented a variety of challenges. However, Cowboys are resilient and quickly adapted to the new environment, helping each other along the way.

 In addition to students and employees, another important group was affected by the transition to a virtual format. Pete’s Pet Posse, the nation’s most comprehensive pet therapy program, was thrust into an unfamiliar world. These dogs and their handlers are a consistent and physical presence on campus. Serving in their offices, making appearances at OSU-sponsored events and providing a calming presence to all who interact with them, the manner in which they serve has looked different since March.

Just like their humans, these dogs have found a way to still serve campus. Virtually attending OSU staff meetings, partnering with the OSU Museum of Art for reading programs and even a surprise virtual visit with the NSpace program has been part of the new pet therapy programming. It looks different, but we are still making an impact. We are all eager to return to the campus, but we are doing all we can to promote America’s Healthiest Campus® and still have a positive effect on the emotional health of our campus population. As we go to print, we are actively planning a return to campus with new guidelines that follow OSU’s COVID-19 protocol.

Ann Hargis

OSU First Cowgirl