
During the Fall and Spring semesters, join Drs. Moose and Nessie on Mondays at 8 am and Thursdays at 4 pm (after it cools down in the semester) for “Get Mov’in with Moose”…..a 3-mile walk around the Auburn campus. During the Fall semesters, Drs. Moose and Nessie will start the walks during the second week of classes. Spring semester walks start the first week of the semester. During Summer semesters, Drs. Moose and Nessie will usually only be Mov’in on Mondays at 7 am. They start earlier to beat the summer heat. You can find Dr. Moose and Dr. Nessie and a couple of their Student Counseling & Psychological Services handlers on the concourse outside the Student Center’s Starbucks. Drs. Moose and Nessie know that exercise positive affects mental health. When Dr. Moose and Dr. Nessie are mov’in, they are happy, happy dogs. Masks and physical distancing are required. In case of inclement weather, you can call SCPS directly or check out the SCPS Instagram to find out whether Get Mov’in will be happening.
Drs. Moose and Nessie are often available for outreach events on campus. They are limited on the number of outreach events that they can do after 5 pm. If you are interested in scheduling Moose or Nessie for an event on campus, please call the counseling center to check for availability. Drs. Moose and Nessie and his handlers require at least 2 weeks notice to schedule an outreach presentation.
What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a form of therapy that incorporates a trained animal into the therapeutic process. Student Counseling & Psychological Services offers AAT with two trained dogs, Moose and Nessie, who have met the certification standards of Therapy Dogs International. Moose and Nessie are handled by SCPS counselors who have completed the appropriate training. Participation in AAT may have many benefits, including improved motivation for treatment and improved social and emotional functioning.
How do I sign up to work with Moose or Nessie?
How often can Moose or Nessie be in sessions?
Questions or concerns about AAT with Moose or Nessie?
Contact Dr. Hankes at (334) 844-5123.