Sit with Santos

After 5 dedicated years to Loyola, Tivo is retiring from his service as the school’s therapy dog. On November 15, he has officially retired and has ushered in a new therapy dog for the job, a one year old, mixed breed puppy named Santos.

Santos got his name from Reverend Scott Hendrickson SJ, a Spanish professor here at Loyola University Chicago. He wanted to incorporate the Jesuit tradition and St. Ignatius Spanish heritage in naming this furry, friendly saint.

Therapy dogs are very helpful for both students and faculty members. These loving dogs assist students by acting as a counselor, an instrument for dealing with stress, trauma, or anxiety. Similar to his predecessor’s, Talk with Tivo, Santos will also hold his own therapy session called Sit with Santos.

Here, students will be able to pet and play with the therapy dog while helping and assisting the counselor. Members of the Wellness Center also believe that these dogs are helpful in giving comfort and provide students with reminders of home. The dog brings back fond memories for these students.

In addition to helping students, Santos also graces students with his presence at many special school wide events. For example, students can find him at the finals breakfast or at the study day stress break event.

Be sure to catch him the next time you are at Lakeshore Campus!