By Sophia Yodice
Teddy the Terp, the University of Maryland’s K9 comfort dog, returned to campus on Wednesday to reassume his wellness role for students in the School of Public Health.
“Take a break between classes, get that serotonin, get that little bit of love in and then you can reboot,” Cpl. Melissa Fischer said.
Teddy, a chocolate Labrador, was stationed in the School of Public Health building, eagerly awaiting arrivals. As part of the college’s happiness and wellness and student engagement initiative, students, staff and faculty were encouraged to stop by and get some love from the pup.
The event drew in many students, including those from a farther proximity.
“We just had a student who was telling us she’s a commuter student, and she drove an hour to come here,” said Erin McClure, assistant dean of diversity and chief of staff at the School of Public Health.
Teddy the Terp is popular on campus. He interacts with students during final exams and campus events. Additionally, he provides comfort in times of crisis or tragedy by meeting with witnesses, victims or investigators, to reduce anxiety and increase communication.
“A lot of students are not from Maryland, so they can’t go home necessarily and pet their dogs. So while they’re living on campus, Teddy is essentially their dog,” Fischer said.
Teddy could not stay for the duration of the event, so a more permanent comfort K-9 was offered in the form of small adoptable stuffed animal puppies. There were a variety of breeds to choose from, accompanied by an adoption form where you could name your new cuddle buddy.
“Teddy is only here for a small amount of time, and the snuggles are only finite; having that stuffy, that cuddle, that comfort, brings joy you can keep with you,” McClure said.
For those looking for something more interactive, there was also the chance to sew and decorate their own plush puppy.
The event provided an opportunity to spend time with Teddy and take home or make a stuffed animal. But for many, the visit offered a meaningful pause in the middle of a busy week.
“I just like dogs,” Shriya Rejeesh, a senior public health science major, said. “It’s really nice to just be around an animal. Today, I’m just really tired, but coming here, I feel uplifted.”
This past week, the School of Public Health hosted its fourth annual Welcome Week, which began Sept. 22 and ended Sept. 26. Teddy’s return was just one of the many events focused on student mental health and wellness and bringing students together.
“These events are to make sure you don’t feel alone, and to make sure you have a way to connect with other people,” Alyssa Maragh, a graduate student studying health administration and the assistant for the student engagement initiative, said.
The School of Public Health is planning to host more similar events in the future, according to McClure.
“Public health is in everything,” McClure said.
Featured Image: UMD School of Public Health sign, where Teddy was stationed. Photo by: Miller Rogers-Tetrick