MSVU is pleased to have recently welcomed a new team member – Dani, a therapy dog certified through St. John Ambulance. Dani’s owner, Todd MacDonald, is a familiar face to many students as the Manager of Residence Life. Todd has had Dani for eight years, and during this time, her love of people has been clear as she tries to spend as much time as possible around the humans in her life. She’s also been known to steal a toy or two to make sure the spotlight stays on her when she’s in a crowd of other dogs.
“Dani loves people and is a playful dog. She loves to run after the ball and can sense when you’re feeling a little tired or stressed,” says Todd. She can be a little stubborn (you get the ball or toy back when she wants to give it), but it’s always in good fun!”
Having Dani on campus gives students a chance to decompress, particularly those experiencing stress or navigating mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, social difficulties, or homesickness. Clinical evidence suggests that therapy dogs can help address the absence of previous support systems and ease students’ adjustment to university life.
Dani will be on campus on this Thursday, May 7 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and can be found in the MSVU Library during this time. Outside her “office hours,” Dani will be in the Residence Life Office (EVR 201A) throughout the day on Thursday. She’ll be leaving for summer vacation in mid-May and will be back on campus on Thursdays in late June/early July.
You can follow Dani on Instagram: @dani.msvu.therapydog
About Dani
Nickname: Dani Girl
Favourite food: Anything bacon—or anything accidentally dropped on the floor
Favourite toy: Her ball, her stuffed bear, or chasing the hose in the summer
Hobbies: Running after the ball, guarding her house by watching out the window, tug‑of‑war with a rope, giving kisses
Special talents/quirks: Her tongue is a bit too big for her mouth. When she’s resting or sleeping, you can often see her tongue sticking out.
Guilty pleasures: All treats. She will steal an entire bag of carrots. She also enjoys holding a ball in her mouth while walking around other dogs (and she doesn’t always share well).