In 2020, Rebecca Itow met Abbott through the Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E) based in Columbus, IN. Abbott is a 6 year old beagle/dachshund mix who loves to adventure in the woods, sniff out a trail, and receive all the love from anyone who is willing to pet him.

Abbott and Rebecca are working towards a certification to become a Therapy Pet Team through Love On A Leash®, which “is committed to bringing comfort, happiness, and healing to more people nationwide by increasing public awareness of pet therapy.”

Abbott came from Tennessee where he worked with inmates at the Franklin County Jail. He was at risk of being put down when that work was finished due to overcrowded shelters.

As Rebecca tells it, “when we met, I crouched down to say ‘hello Abbott!’ He put his paw on my shoulder, which knocked me off balance so that I sat on the floor and he climbed into my lap. I knew then that he was likely more than my foster. One week later I filed adoption papers, and we have been together ever since.”

Not long after Abbott came to live with Rebecca, she noticed that he hops when he runs. When the vet took an X-ray, they found that Abbott has a bullet in his right hip. The injury has left bone shards and arthritis, and it acts up in cold, damp weather and under stress.

Please enjoy this interview with Rebecca about Abbott’s work:

What does a typical day on the job look like for Abbott?

The night before a therapy visit day, we try to minimize the amount of stress Abbott experiences and minimize walking, too. The morning of the visit, he eats breakfast and we take a brief walk. Then I grab Abbott’s treat bag and leash with the “Therapy Dog in Training” badge, and we head to the facility. We meet with our supervisors (a certified dog and their handler), provide the facility with Abbott’s vaccine records if requested, and begin interacting with humans.

The nursing homes are our favorite places to visit. While each one is different, the patients light up when they see Abbott, and he wags his tail and walks to those who want to “say hi.” While he is in training, Abbott can only work for one hour, so our supervised visits are short. However, the limited time does not limit the impact he has on others. It’s a special experience to observe how people open up when Abbott approaches.

On a recent visit, we walked past a door and asked a woman if she wanted to “say hi.” The patient reached down with one hand to pet Abbott gently on the head, looked off in the distance, and began sharing her life stories—she talked about dogs she had as a young woman, some adventures she went on, and people she remembered. She didn’t talk to me much, but she talked to Abbott, reaching for him when we left and calling him back in as we passed her door on our way out of the facility. I am so looking forward to being able to sit and engage with those we encounter for longer periods time.

What kind of training has Abbott done to become a therapy dog?

Abbott has been in school! Abbott has been taking classes (and I get to attend, too!) with Madelyn at Mad 4 My Dog in Bloomington to learn different skills that help him control his impulses and communicate with humans.

Since 2020, Abbott has learned to do puzzles and control his urge to respond to different stimuli to all of his senses. The final exam involved walking an obstacle course and performing a series of commands before opening a puzzle to retrieve a treat. He just completed the Advanced with Therapy Prep course, which helped him practice his skills while being distracted by wheelchairs, walkers, crowds of people, loud noises, petting & handling, and (of course) food.

Before we could even apply to work towards earning our Pet Therapy Team certification, Abbott had to pass the Love On A Leash test, which includes allowing strangers to pet his head, ears, feet, and tail, and completing a TWO MINUTE STAY! Two minutes is a long time, and Abbott didn’t even flinch.

After he passed the test, he was cleared to complete 10 supervised visits as a therapy dog in training, eight of which must be in nursing homes (see the walking map from a recent visit above). To date, Abbott has completed six visits, one of which was at Wells Library for a Friday Finish event. He has another IU visit coming up on May 1, and we hope to complete the certification before the end of May 2025.

We are also very proud that Abbott earned his Canine Good Citizen title! He was awarded with a blue ribbon and should now be regarded as Abbott Itow, CGC!

What got you interested in training a therapy dog?

I initially wanted to train Abbott to be a service dog to help me manage my Tourette’s Syndrome, ADHD, and OCD, so we started taking classes together to help build up our communication skills.

After getting to know Abbott just a little bit, I was struck by how smart he is! He can do complex puzzles, he learns very quickly (we have named his toys, he tells me when the door is unlocked and when the stove is on), and he is an excellent communicator. I was more astounded by how easily he can get people to approach him and open up. He is very friendly, and even people who are hesitant around dogs tend to feel comfortable around him.

I thought it would be a waste of excellent skills to not share his talents with the community. People benefit so much from Abbott’s presence, and I want to help him spread that joy and calm. It’s a beautiful thing to see how this work benefits both the people Abbott meets and him as well. I see the humans relax and release as they interact with Abbott, and I see him grow and learn and enjoy their presence at the same time. With each visit, Abbott becomes more adept at navigating new spaces and working with different kinds of people.

I did not anticipate how beneficial training to be a therapy team would be for me. Throughout this process I have grown tremendously in my patience with others and with myself, and I have learned so much from the people we encounter. Abbott often notices when I am anxious or frenetic or busy and insists that I pause, breathe, and pet him, and that has been an important addition to my life. But seeing how he does this with others is more delightful and impactful than I can express.

More importantly, Abbott’s kind demeanor is a wonderful key for opening an opportunity for us both to relate to others. In visiting the nursing homes and students together, we get to connect with people who are stressed or ill or lonely and be part of their shifting out of that state, if just for a little while. That is powerful.

Do you see any parallels between the work of training a therapy dog and your work at UE?

Yes! In both spaces I have an opportunity to recognize the talents of others and support their growth as they hone those talents and use them to meet a need. I am a facilitator and a connector in that way.

This work has also taught me the importance and the value of taking the time to share and to experience joy. Doing so is always worth the time it takes to step away from the work. The work will be there. They joy of engaging with others will fortify us for the journey ahead.

How does Abbott like his visits to UE?

Abbott loves visiting the UE Offices! He is so comfortable here, and everyone is extremely kind and welcoming. He loves getting to visit with the UE staff and faculty, and he has a favorite chair in my office. Eunice is his bestie, and he is a huge fan of Diane’s office. We are very grateful to everyone in the Undergraduate Education Office for being so welcoming and kind as we help Abbott build up his skills!

What are Abbott’s favorite pastimes and activities?

Abbott loves to hike in the woods and find a trail to follow. He was born to adventure! Sun spots are his happy place, but so is a giant pile of soft hand-knitted blankets. He loves snacks—good ones, though. Not like vegetables or fruits. Some of what you’re having will do just fine, thanks! Abbott also loves to wear hoodies.

And, in case you’re wondering, his birthday is May the Fourth, 2018. (Yes, we celebrate appropriately with Star Wars-themed sayings on his birthday! I was going to change his name to be something Star Wars-related, but one of my favorite ballerinas is Loretta Abbott, an early member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. And Abbott has perfect turn out, so the name had to stay!)

What advice would Abbott give to students who are feeling stressed?

Abbott would tell students that it is ok—healthy, even!—to take some time away from the hard work of exploring new things and following your nose. Pause for a moment and sniff the roses, relax in a sun spot, and eat some tasty snacks. You will feel rested, rejuvenated, and ready to get back on the path or track that trail in no time!

Rebecca Itow is the Assistant Vice Provost for School Partnerships and Precollege in Undergraduate Education. If you want to know when Abbott will be around next, you can reach out to her at rcitow@iu.edu.

Last Wednesday, Michelle Bartley-Taylor was presented with one of eight Staff Merit Awards, which honor the service of a few select staff members whose contributions to IU Bloomington exemplify the very best our community has to offer.

Michelle Bartley-Taylor is the director of the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology (CEW&T) and has been part of the center’s staff for nine years. She maintains a focus on helping women thrive in academic fields, and her nominating colleagues say this mission drives Bartley-Taylor’s work each day.

As center director, Bartley-Taylor leads a team of six professional staff and over 50 interns. She consistently works to implement new initiatives and pushes CEW&T’s mission by considering emerging issues that arise to make sure women are empowered.

Interim Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Vasti Torres describes Bartley-Taylor as consistently collaborative: “Her background in higher education provides a wealth of knowledge about the administration of a center and how to collaborate with others around the campus.”

Bartley-Taylor’s dedication, visionary leadership, and strong support have made a profound impact on the Indiana University community, according to visiting lecturer Zolboo Dashmyagmar.

“I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition,” Dashmyagmar says. “Her forward-thinking approach has significantly improved the efficiency and reach of our programs, positioning CEW&T as a standout resource at IU for women and allies to belong, feel empowered, and gain leadership and tech skills.”

Recently, Bartley-Taylor helped transform the idea for a Sustainability & Tech Alliance into a thriving program for CEW&T and IU. This initiative has been recognized both locally and nationally, earning a Campus Catalyst award from the IU Office of Sustainability and an Honorable Mention from the global organization SustainableIT.

Bartley-Taylor also created programs and initiatives such as the Emerging Scholars Research Experience for Undergraduate Women, Women & Technology Summit, Networking with Women Employers, and Accelerator Crash Courses, which resonate with students and make a real difference in their lives.

“Through her friendly and inclusive leadership style, Michelle instills trust and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and heard,” says Ivette Williams, CEW&T office manager. “Her passion for promoting women in technology is reflected in the programs she has developed, which have positively impacted students, staff, and faculty alike. As a supervisor, she is approachable and caring, always ready to help or provide guidance.”

In her acceptance speech, Michelle expressed gratitude for the people who have supported her: “I am honored and humbled by the recognition…. The journey here has never been a solo one. I have been afforded opportunities by others, guided by strong mentorship, collaborated with talented colleagues, worked alongside a highly-skilled and passionate team, and I am fortunate in the support of my friends and family.”

Congratulations to Michelle Bartley-Taylor!