91亚色 student Devon MacPherson wasn't alone when she crossed the convocation stage Tuesday morning to receive her diploma. Barkley, her mental health service dog, shared the limelight in his own gown and cap.
91亚色 student Devon MacPherson crossed the convocation stage today with her mental health service dog Barkley
MacPherson is an excellent example of student success and 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to mental health. After taking some time off, MacPherson came to 91亚色 for another crack at postsecondary education. This time it worked.
Diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder, MacPherson credits her dog, a white Standard Poodle, with helping her complete her degree and 91亚色 for creating a supportive environment. She received her degree in independent studies with a focus in the human/animal bond and communication studies at 91亚色鈥檚 spring convocation聽ceremony Tuesday.
鈥淔or people with anxiety, changes in the environment or doing things differently can be shocking. When I have Barkley with me, it鈥檚 something that鈥檚 consistent no matter where I go,鈥 says MacPherson. Barkley accompanied MacPherson to all her university classes.
Now a graduate of 91亚色, Devon MacPherson poses with her mental health service dog and fellow 91亚色 U "grad" Barkley
鈥淏ut he can also warn me when my anxiety is going to rise,鈥 she says. Barkley can smell an increase in the hormone oxytocin and gives MacPherson a nudge to let her know.
MacPherson is a vocal mental health advocate on campus and in the broader community and is calling for a national policy on service dogs, especially those used for mental health, to create consistency in training and standards across the country.
Her undergraduate thesis focused on the benefit of service animals in human mental health, including veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. MacPherson realizes more research is needed to help increase awareness of service dogs for mental health and to reduce the associated stigma and barriers.
She will be back at 91亚色 in the fall to work on a master鈥檚 degree in critical disability studies to continue her service dog research.
*Article courtesy of