It’s not unusual to see furry friends hanging out on the Quad, but strolling around an office on campus may not be so common. However, a few UA employees do have service animals that stay with them throughout the day.
We chatted with a couple of our campus friends and their furry coworkers about how their animals, in this case, dogs, serve their needs.
Olivia Arnold, director of the Paul W. Bryant Museum
Tell us about your service animal. Scout is a 5-year-old pug. I call her my cat-dog-pig.
How does Scout help you throughout the day? I have neurological issues and she keeps an eye on me to notice if there are any changes in my behavior or demeanor. Pugs are known to be extremely close to their humans so Scout knows me and knows when something is wrong. She’ll nudge me or want me to hold her when she notices something. The plus to her being my pet at home is that she is used to me and knows when something’s off.
How long have you been working at UA and how long has Scout been with you here? I’ve been at UA for 23 years and Scout has been coming to work with me for nine months.
Was Scout your personal pet before becoming your service animal? Yes, I got her when she was a puppy and she went through training to be a service animal. Her younger brother, Gus, is training to be one as well.
How did you go about being able to bring Scout to work as a service animal? Well, the Transportation Security Administration has its own forms that they require for you to travel with a service animal, so I had filled those out. Then my doctor completed some forms showing how Scout could help me, too. Working with UA from there was pretty easy.
Has Scout been ‘adopted’ by your coworkers, too? Definitely! She comes to all our staff meetings. Scout can tell if a meeting is tense or stressful and she’ll go person to person, checking on them. She is also fond of my assistant, RJ, and she knows her way around the museum. She’ll make pit stops to say “hello” from time to time.
What would you say to someone who might be hesitant to request bringing a service animal to work? For a long time, I probably felt like I needed her but felt like I might be judged. Since there are no official rules, as a whole, for service animals, people can take advantage of that. I was inspired by Kirk Herbstreit, whose dog, Ben, traveled with him for emotional support. And there is a difference between a service animal and an emotional support pet – service animals have additional training and offer specific assistance.
Jamaica Cooper, financial support assistant in the College of Education
Tell us about your service animal. Getty is 4 years old, and he’s a sweet boy.
How does Getty help you throughout the day? I have Cerebral Palsy, a neuromuscular disorder, so he picks up dropped items like pens or keys and he opens doors. He also serves as a great icebreaker for my social anxiety.
How long have you been working at UA and how long has Getty been with you here? I’ve been here about eight-and-a-half years, and Getty’s been with me two years.
Was Getty your personal pet before becoming your service animal? Yes and no. I was looking over the K-9 Companions Instagram page, and I fell in love with him. I reached out, and he was available. I applied to get him from K-9 Companions in 2021. It was about a two-year process, but I got him in 2023.
How did you go about being able to bring Getty to work as a service animal? It was actually pretty easy. I had all the documentation I needed when I reached out to UA.
Has Getty been ‘adopted’ by your coworkers, too? He has! He loves to run around the second floor (of Carmichael Hall) and he’ll go knock on doors with his nose, which nudges it a little and people know he’s just stopping by. He’s a great greeter. Rebecca Ballard is one of his favorite humans and she brings him treats sometimes.
What would you say to someone who might be hesitant to request bringing a service animal to work? Do your research and know all the laws. Know what the requirements might be for you.
Learn more about UA’s employee accommodations by visiting the Human Resources website.