136Academics In 1953, Richard Walker pioneered speech therapy services in Searcy and coursework in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). Several years after this in 1975, Canine Companions, a national organization, began raising and training dogs to assist people with disabilities. In recent years, the CSD department and Canine Companions officially crossed paths when faculty members endeavored to obtain Harding’s very own facility dog– Verdi. After an extensive process, he was welcomed to campus in August 2023. The Harding University Speech Clinic (HUSC) provided free services involving communication, feeding and cognition. As a facility dog, Verdi aided a variety of clients on campus and at Harding Academy by enhancing therapy sessions. Laura Mulvany and April Watson, his handlers, described the difference his work made in the community. “People just respond differently to animals,” Mulvany said. “A client’s motivation, willingness to complete tasks, attitude and stress level changes once they are able to interact with him.” Watson added, “He brings excitement or calm – whichever is needed – into a session, and kids will often work harder for Verdi than they do for their clinician.” Verdi often worked alongside graduate assistants in the CSD department, such as Carli Hamilton, who described an array of duties she fulfilled. “One of the sweetest responsibilities is spending time with Verdi,” Hamilton said. “At times, we will be asked to take Verdi for walks, and potty breaks, watch him while Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Mulvany are attending to other duties and aid in activities to help expend some of Verdi’s energy.” Watson expanded on Verdi’s capabilities: “We joke a lot around the office that Verdi is smarter than the rest of us,” Watson said. “He really is a highly intelligent animal. He knows over 40 different commands.” This extensive list included playing games such as Uno or bowling, demonstrating hygiene, identifying body parts, turning pages, dressing up as book characters, opening and closing doors, retrieving objects, giving hugs, and many other activities. “He’s currently learning how to participate in a hearing screen where he puts up a paw each time he hears the beep,” Watson added. “It’s amazing to see children react to a dog in the therapy room who actively participates in the session.” Hamilton mentioned an additional encouraging aspect of Verdi’s job for pediatric clients was his mailbox. “Multiple clients have written Verdi letters or colored pictures for him,” Hamilton said. “Verdi will ‘write’ back and sign with a paw print.” Though he was extremely skilled as a facility dog, Mulvany claimed it was Verdi’s demeanor that caused him to stand out. “He truly loves to work,” Mulvany said. “He wants to help others with whatever they need. He wants to be there for someone who is having a meltdown. He wants to complete tasks to make it easier for someone to manipulate their environment. He loves people, which is huge for some clients who need that unconditional love that is not dependent on their ability to communicate.” Written by Cora Freeman PAWSITIVE IMPACT The Communication Sciences and Disorders Program adds a furry friend to their team. The Communication Sciences and Disorders program began in 1953 and was pioneered by Richard Walker. The program originally provided speech therapy services from the third floor of the Administration building from a small room in a larger audiometric suite. Photos Courtesy of UCM
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