This week’s Campus Celebrity is one of our very best fury friends here on campus: Hamilton the UNH Health Services Therapy Dog! Most students know Hamilton (aka Hammy) as the friendly, happy dog who is ready to give anyone a hug during stressful times in the library or even just walking down the street! Since most UNH students live on campus, we love to have Hamilton around as our very own dog away from home. What does Hamilton do in his spare time? What do his full days look like? Well, Her Campus got the chance to catch up with Hamilton’s owner UNH Nutrition Counselor/Educator, Maria Caplan, to get the inside scoop on UNH Health Services’ mascot!
Name: Hamilton aka Hammy
Owner: Maria Caplan; UNH Nutrition Counselor/Educator
Explain Hamilton’s role here at UNH and how he acquired that role.
Hamilton is the official therapy dog for all students and facutly here on campus! This Spring will be Hammy’s second full year as the UNH therapy dog. Studies show that animals help reduce stress so Hamilton is always around if you need a friendly face. It is so interesting how Hammy can bring people together. Hamilton can also help students that may be socially awkward or help open the door for conversation among a group of people.
I rescued Hamilton when he was 5 months old from the Houston Humane Society. He was a rambunctious puppy but as he got older he became a lot more calm and I knew he would be a perfect fit for a therapy dog. When Hamilton recieved the highest obedience training, I proposed the therapy dog program to staff members at Health Services and they loved it! The program has been going really well ever since.
What does a typical day look like for Hamilton?
Hamilton has his own schedule apart from mine and his days can get crazy! His most busiest days are Mondays and Tuesdays because he works from 11am until 4pm. Student handlers work together to take him different places whether he’s scheduled to make an appearance at the library, a residence hall or has one-on-one appointments with students. On Hammy’s days off, he loves to just hang around the house in MY bed! When I wake up for work in the morning he just looks up and knows he doesn’t have to get out of bed and lays his head right back down on the pillow like a person!
How can students become a student handler for Hamilton?
There is a description of the position on the UNH Health Services website. This year, I started accepting applications in August. After U Day, I started interviews. I really look for applicants who have had previous work experience with dogs, are personable and are knowledgeable about the Health Services center which is helpful if students or faculty ever have any questions for thhem about a certain program or service that we offer.
How would you describe Hammy as a dog?
He’s a chill dude. He just loves everybody and other dogs he never really gets attached to one person. He also doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body! When he chases squirrels and actually catches up to them he just stops and lets them run up a tree; he doesn’t want to hurt them! He is very care free and doesn’t seem to worry at all.
Where is Hammy planning on making an appearance during this semester’s finals week?
Dimond Library actually puts his schedule on their website. During Frazzle Free Finals, Hammy will be at Dimond from 12-2pm along with a group of other dogs through Pet Partners called Study Buddies. Hamilton is loosely affiliated with this group as well.
How can students, clubs and orgs make one on one appointments with Hammy?
Students can go onto the UNH Paws and Relax website and there you can fill out a form for Hamilton to come and visit any group, greek house or club. You can also call our front desk to schedule an appointment or for more information!
Fun Facts
Age: 5
Favorite place on campus: His work bed in Health Services which is complete with comfy memory foam.
Treat of choice: Zukes all natural treats in variety of flavors as well as slim jims.
Favorite toy: A huge toy horse at home that he loves to carry and cuddle.
Favorite place to play: Dover Dog Park; there are a variety of great dogs there to play with