Learn more about the therapy dogs who are currently part of the MU PAWS program. They spend time on campus and represent MU PAWS at events throughout the community. Click here to see a list of upcoming events featuring our therapy dogs.
Isabella
Isabella the sheltie is one of MU PAWS’ founding dogs and a staple of the program. She had heart surgery while just a seven month old puppy and now gives back to those experiencing health issues by volunteering as a therapy dog at Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary’s Medical Center, and hospice. She is also a regular fixture at on-campus events and in Buskirk Hall where the residents call her a “girl’s girl”; She could just be the most popular girl on campus. Isabella’s favorite things are playing ball and getting attention, but rump rubs are are close second.
Handlers: Robin Ash and Dick Ash, community members
Luna
Luna is a free spirit and the unofficial mascot of the Department of Housing and Residence Life where her handlers work. A true pound puppy, she was adopted from the Kanawha Charleston Humane Association in 2022. She is easily recognized across campus by her striking facial coloring. Luna loves chasing Marshall’s squirrels almost as much as she loves getting pets. You will frequently find her laying on the couches in the Twin Towers lounges surrounded by adoring students. She has mastered the art of staring at students who pass her by, making them feel guilty until they visit her.
Handlers: Mistie Bibbee and Emily C. Roush, Department of Housing and Residence Life
Chloe
Chloe, the teeny weenie, is a small but mighty mini-dachshund. There is a lot of personality in that little body, and she is proof that age is just a number. Don’t let her advanced years fool you; Chloe is still full of life, and she loves visiting with students. She also loves the squirrels and birds on campus and is convinced she can catch one of them. At home Chloe is in charge of her younger but much larger her mastiff and pit bull brothers. In addition to spending time in First Year North, she has her own Paw-ffice in the Center for Student Success in East Hall where her handler works.
Handler: Mary Thompson, Center for Student Success
Arya
Arya is a five year old olden retriever who enjoys going for daily walks in her neighborhood and chasing squirrels, which she finds in abundance on Marshall’s campus. She loves attention, treats, and her stuffed animals which her family calls her “puppies”. Arya is a pure cuddlebug who loves to give and receive hugs. She enjoys spending time with people of all ages. In addition to volunteering on campus at events and in Gibson Hall , she volunteers at local elementary and middle schools. If you are having a bad day, Arya will be there to hold your hand through it.
Handler: Stacey Whitmore, community member
Ruben
Ruben the dachshund is a regal fellow and a bit of a Casanova, as he tends to cozy up to the ladies when attending on-campus events. A typical dachshund, he has an excellent sense of smell and is adept as sniffing out treats. You will not meet a more determined finder of food. He loves attention and will use those puppy dog eyes to his advantage. In addition to volunteering with MU PAWS, Ruben gives back to the veteran community by volunteering at the VA with his handler who is a veteran herself.
Handler: Kelly Finch, community member
Zorro
Zorro is a poodle who loves to meet and greet his Marshall friends and get lots of pets. He loves to go to his school too, where he hangs out with his dog friends and learns new skills so he can compete in obedience trials. Zorro has many titles and ribbons and is working up to earning champion titles (paws crossed). Based at the South Charleston campus, he visits the Huntington campus as often as he can. In addition to volunteering with MU PAWS, he participates in virtual therapy dog visits with assisted living and nursing home residents across the country. Zorro hopes to offer you a handshake and a chin to scratch soon.
Handler: Tracy Christofero, Lewis College of Business
Simon
Simon is a lovable 5-year old English Cream Golden Retriever and familiar face in Student Support Services where his handler works. His favorite things are showing his “Stuffies” to students and cuddling…when he is not snoozing, of course. Although his lovable nature gives big Golden Retriever energy, he is not so much into retrieving. Simon will play chase all day long, but he leaves the fetching to his humans.
Handler: Bonnie Bailey, Student Support Services
