As of last week, Creighton University’s first therapy dog, Cocoa, has officially retired from her service. The chocolate lab came to Creighton nearly nine years ago in 2016. On Wednesday, she was sent off with a retirement party held on the Mall.
Cocoa’s owner, Creighton counselor Michael Kelley, Ph.D., reflected on the day he adopted Cocoa. He said that he had looked at several dogs, trying to find one that would be a good fit for the role. Immediately when he met her, he said, he knew that she was the one.
“I was looking for a dog who had was very mellow and easy going [and] obedient, and she was that at age one,” Kelley said.
After several courses, training and tests, Cocoa was ready to come to Creighton. Ever since then, she has warmed the hearts of the Creighton community with her friendly nature and love of belly rubs.
“Cocoa was so sweet, and she always brightened my day,” Pressley Schoenherr, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, said. “I loved petting her even when she slobbered on me.”
Kelley reflected on Cocoa’s impact on student’s experiences, specifically regarding Creighton’s counseling services. He said that her presence created a more welcoming atmosphere, which can encourage students to seek the counseling services they need.
“[She’s] an indirect and powerful way of saying, ‘This place is okay. We’re okay and you’re going to be okay if you come here …’ easing the discomfort that people have about coming to a center like this,” Kelley said.
Kelley also mentioned that Cocoa made mental health resources more accessible to students by sharing advice and tips on her Instagram page through her own “voice.”
“So, students that might not be interested in hearing [advice] from us or from an adult are willing to hear good advice from Cocoa,” Kelley said.
Kelley highlighted some of Cocoa’s memorable moments at Creighton, such as the presence of her picture at graduation ceremonies.
“She just steals the show,” Kelley said.
Another light-hearted story Kelley shared was when Cocoa unexpectedly jumped on a guest’s lap at a speaker event.
“She probably weighed 75 pounds at the time … she just jumped up in this guy’s lap,” Kelley said, laughing.
Kelley stated that although Cocoa will be dearly missed, her retirement will be much easier for her health. He mentioned she has struggled with some mobility and hearing issues, which prompted the retirement.
Cocoa’s successor, a Bernese mountain dog named Ella, has adjusted well and settled into her new role as Creighton’s therapy dog. She can be found in Creighton’s counseling services office.