The Need: In today's high-stress environments, maintaining mental and emotional well-being is paramount for employees and students alike. Buckeye Paws addresses this crucial need by offering a unique therapy dog intervention designed to promote comfort, happiness, and resilience within The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC), The Ohio State University (OSU), and the Columbus community. By providing support through certified therapy dog-handler teams, Buckeye Paws aims to decrease stress levels and enhance emotional resilience among staff, faculty, and students.

The Technology: Buckeye Paws utilizes highly trained therapy dog-handler teams certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) programs. These teams undergo comprehensive training overseen by a Certified Master Canine Trainer (CMT), ensuring adherence to the program's prescriptive policy aligned with ATD and International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organization (IAHAIO) guidelines. Buckeye Paws handlers, who are OSUWMC or OSU employees, possess expertise in Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Mental Health First Aid, and/or Brief Emotional Support (BEST), further enhancing the program's effectiveness.

Commercial Applications:

• Hospitals: Enhancing patient care and staff well-being through therapy dog interventions.
• Academic Institutions: Supporting students' mental health and resilience on college campuses.
• Corporate Businesses: Boosting employee morale and reducing stress in workplace environments.

Benefits/Advantages:

• Enhanced Well-being: Therapy dog interventions promote comfort and emotional support, leading to improved mood and resilience.
• Organizational Endorsement: Buckeye Paws offers an organizationally endorsed program validated by initial research, ensuring acceptance and effectiveness.
• Consultative Services: Buckeye Paws provides guidance and assistance to external healthcare organizations, academic leaders, and corporate businesses looking to implement similar therapy dog programs, safeguarding intellectual property and offering affiliation opportunities through the Ohio State Health Network.