CHARLESTON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Eastern Illinois University students have a great four-legged resource that’s been making a positive impact on campus.
According to a release from EIU, Campus K-9 Officers Penny and Koji have been helping students by providing their therapy skills to those in need.
“Penny, a 40-pound Hound-Beagle mix, has earned the title of a “multi-discipline dog.” After being rescued nine months ago, Penny received police-certified training from the only nationally recognized law enforcement therapy dog program, Paws in Stripes. In this Florida academy, she was taught basic obedience, which involves being petted, giving hugs, and remaining calm,” the release said.
Penny’s human partner, EIU Police Chief Marisol Gamboa, noted that Penny is not Chief Gamboa’s personal pet.
“She (Penny) is trained in a specific skill and provides services to others within our community,” Gamboa explained.
Gamboa also noted that multi-discipline dogs like Penny are able to help those who have gone through various traumas such as sexual assaults, traffic accidents, and more by providing comfort for those giving testimonies and/or interviews.
Penny`s special skill set includes the following:
- Assisting in courtroom procedures,
- Listening to her handler
- Forensic interviewing
- Assisting the Department of Children and Family Services with child removal
- Relocating families impacted by domestic violence,
- Providing immediate response to crisis incidents or other violent acts
Koji, EIU’s other Campus K-9 is going through the same processes to achieve a multi-disciplinary status, expected to be completed this month. Koji’s human partner, EIU Police Sergeant Andrea Beals noted that Koji is very outgoing.
“Loves his brother Goliath and all people alike. Koji is rather extroverted. Like Penny, Beals explains, Koji loves to initiate contact with people and break the ice,” the release said.
EIU students have a chance to interact with Penny and Koji during the Coffee with a Cop event as Chief Gamboa and Sgt. Beals occasionally host the event at EIU`s Java Beanery and Bakery with Penny and Koji. The K-9 officers are also often at the EIU Bookstore, Student Life, University Board meetings and residence halls.
“We do it because it is important,” Chief Gamboa explains, “and because it helps the EIU community.”
The release notes that the Coffee with a Cop program gives the EIU community a chance to communicate with the EIUPD “in a positive, agenda-free setting.”
“Both Penny and Koji are very vocal about their desires for attention, which are regularly on display. Oftentimes, Penny and Koji are the first to introduce themselves,” the release said.
The funding for the EIU therapy dog program is provided by the Illinois Board of Higher Education`s Mental Health Early Action on Campus grant.
For more information about EIU’s programs and other community-based programs and services, contact the public information officer at 217-581-7400.
