Former shelter dog helps anxious students at health center  

There is help for Pittsburg State University students who are anxious about procedures at the Bryant Student Health Center, and it has four legs and a wagging tail. Scout, the health center’s first therapy dog, is ready and waiting. 

Not long after adopting her, Scout’s owner, Taylor Panczer, the health center’s wellness and student advocate service coordinator, learned first-hand how important a therapy dog can be. 

"Scout helped me when I was experiencing high anxiety through my mother's Stage 3 cancer diagnosis," Panczer said. "She knew exactly when I needed her and was even able to alert me when my anxiety was spiking."   

She decided to get Scout formally trained to be a therapy dog with Pack Savvy Training.  

“She and I then went through rigorous hands-on training specialized for public access behaviors and commands," Panczer said.  

On Sept. 18, Scout passed her Public Access Test, which allows her to provide therapeutic services in public areas such as schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and other areas that allow therapy dogs.    

Unlike service dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, therapy dogs are trained to offer emotional support through their friendly, gentle, and calming presence. Therapy dogs provide comfort, support, and companionship to individuals, and help improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, and promote a positive environment. 

Scout now works alongside Panczer at the health center. Scout's main objective is to provide therapeutic relief for those experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression.  

"It is cool to watch the body language of the person Scout is engaging with switch from really tense to relaxed," Panczer says. "You can watch the anxiety and stress melt away from them." 

Available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the health center, and a few unplanned hours if Panczer’s schedule allows, she is "paged" for students who might be anxious about getting their blood drawn, test results, or procedures.  

Scout also walks on campus with Panczer and connects with the students who wish to interact with her. 

"One of the coolest things I get to see as Scout's handler is the excitement and love I feel when Scout enters the room," Panczer says. "The students love seeing her and call out for her across the Oval, and Scout loves it just as much. Her tail wags a mile a minute when she sees a familiar face, or the student calls for her.”

About the Bryant Health Center 

The Bryant Student Health Center is operated by the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. It serves students, staff, faculty, and families of Pittsburg State University. 

Those needing medical, pharmaceutical, or behavioral health services may walk in, call, or schedule an appointment online. The center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

Phone: 620-235-4452.  

Website: pittstate.edu/office/health-services/  

After hours: 888-521-6005