7
Prairie WINTER 2023
PETER
MURPHY
Professor Jean Kirnan periodically brings Cali,
a certified therapy dog, to class.
animals' rights were also addressed.
The research was published in the
Journal of American College Health.
"Our research validated that animals
bring significant benefits to these
students. But there are obstacles, as
with anything," says Kirnan. She hopes
to take the research to a quantitative
level and move beyond TCNJ, and see
if the themes match up on other college
campuses.
In addition to the research study,
students in Kirnan's lab used the
information they gathered to create an
FAQ webpage about emotional support
animals for Sellet's office at ARC.
"For many people, an ESA is a
reasonable and appropriate accommo-
dation," says Sellet. "We're continuing
to educate about why this is important
and really essential."
Just ask Kaela Edwards: "Toby's a
lifesaver."
— Kara Pothier
