Big Dog on Campus

Cassandra Giner, CMS ’28, works in RFU’s Admissions Office, is a teaching assistant for her anatomy class and is a student ambassador. But it’s her dog, Luca, who is the most popular one at RFU. A licensed therapy dog, Luca accompanies Ms. Giner wherever she goes, bringing joy to students in classes and at RFU’s therapy-dog events, as well as to patients and staff at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, where they regularly volunteer. While service dogs are task-trained to mitigate symptoms, therapy dogs such as Luca simply provide comfort and support in public settings. Ms. Giner shared some of their adventures.

9:15 A.M. Luca regularly volunteers on campus, where he loves saying hello to students, sniffing hands and receiving butt scratches.

11:10 A.M. Luca in our Principles of Professionalism, Health Care and Health Equity course. He loves attending group courses!

2:30 P.M. Luca is a regular pet-therapy volunteer at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, where he enjoys visiting both patients and staff.

5:00 P.M. Luca hangs out with some of his favorite people and dog friends: Grace, Jamie and Cassie (top row); and Elmo and Luca (bottom row).

7:15 P.M. Luca cuddles up to Kat, one of his many friends, during a group study session for our cardiovascular exam.

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