She is very experienced in integrating dogs into a new home and enjoys working with dogs and children. Shawn credits one of her adopted dogs Mickey for teaching her about some of the challenges dogs can bring to a family and prompting her to peruse her passion to become a professional dog trainer. Shawn has adopted and fostered many dogs and cats throughout her years as a volunteer. Currently Shawn is a board member and the intake/foster coordinator for TexasCARES and volunteers as a trainer for a local dog rescue. She used this opportunity to learn everything she could about dogs and training from other trainers, veterinaries and continued education. Shawn has been involved in volunteering with local animal rescue groups for 29 years. Some of her favorite courses were led by Victoria Stilwell,Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar and Patricia McConnell. Shawn actively pursues ongoing training and professional development by attending seminars, auditing other training classes and keeping current on literature. She taught kindergarten, for 28 years and retired to professionally train dogs full time. Shawn graduated with a BA in education from Western Michigan University. She helped train the family dog as a child and has been involved with training dogs ever since. Every spare moment was spent with her dog, cats, cows and horses. 26, at the Danforth University Center and concludes with a party with Black-owned food trucks at Tisch Park.Ĭoonce said the department also plans to host “yappy hours” and will post a form allowing groups to request a visit.Shawn has had a love for animals since she was a little girl. Coonce said Brookie and Bear will join the Center for Diversity and Inclusion Peace Walk and Block Party, which will begin at noon Sunday, Feb. Students who have yet to meet the puppies can find them at the Bear’s Den on most evenings or walking through campus. So far, they’ve mastered sitting and potty training. Like their fellow students, Brookie and Bear are quick learners. “They had literally been thrown away like trash,” Coonce said. The shelter now serves as a sponsor for the Washington University program, providing veterinarian care, training and high-quality food. WUPD Officers Greg Casem and Jesse Siefert are the dogs’ partners. Louis rescued the puppies and, observing their gentle temperaments, started therapy training. They were abandoned in a rural Missouri dump at six or so weeks old. The siblings are embracing their newfound popularity. At right, students welcomed Bear (left) and Brookie during their first visit to campus. (Photo courtesy of WUPD)Ĭhief Angela Coonce (left) says therapy dogs reduce anxiety and lower the blood pressure of people experiencing trauma. (Photo courtesy of WUPD) Students welcomed Bear (left) and Brookie during their first visit to campus. Chief Angela Coonce says therapy dogs reduce anxiety and lower the blood pressure of people experiencing trauma. Brookie, in honor of Brookings Hall, bested other university-inspired names such as Millie (for Millbrook) and Frannie (for Francis Field). Coonce and her fellow officers named the male puppy Bear because, well, how could they not? Brookie officially got her name today, after an online vote. They are great icebreakers.”īrookie and Bear are Labrador mixes with shiny black coats, floppy ears and the sweetest personalities. “So already, we’ve been able to have conversations with students we wouldn’t have had without the puppies. “Our officers will say, ‘The students don’t really talk to us.’ And I say, ‘When you were 18, did you want to talk to a cop?’” Coonce said. “As the first responders, we want to improve how we respond to those calls.”Ĭoonce also hopes the dogs will serve as a bridge between the department and students. “When I first got here, I noted the number of calls from students who are in crisis - they are away from home or they are facing a challenge,” said Coonce, who joined WUPD in August.
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