Tartan Tails program unveils new web page, issues call for applications

Tartan Tails’ pawprint is growing bigger, on both Radford University’s campus and the internet.

The Highlanders’ animal therapy team, supported by First Lady Kay Danilowicz, recently unveiled its new web page, with information about the program, an email address and an image gallery of the seven current Tartan Tails pets.

The group is also looking to expand its ranks and will review applications for its fall cohort through Aug. 30. A link to the application form can be found at the bottom of the Tartan Tails web page.

“Bret and I are so excited to have more members of our faculty and staff share their beloved pets with our campus,” Danilowicz said. “We hope to see a variety of tails wagging with our animal therapy program this year!”

Any dog owners affiliated with Radford University are eligible to apply to the program, but first preference will be given to faculty and staff. Employees should speak with their supervisors or department heads to secure support before applying.

After a review of applications, invitations will be extended to potential candidates and their pets for in-person interviews and assessments, which will include conversation, observation and group activities with others. Those are scheduled to take place Friday, Sept. 1 and Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Teams selected to participate in Tartan Tails will then begin a training program on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Full details of participation in the program can be found on the introductory page of the application.

Founded last year, Tartan Tails seeks to provide Radford’s students with an enhanced sense of inclusion and anxiety reduction through contact with therapy dogs. It is designed to promote well-being across the Radford University community through positive interactions with trained and certified animals.

Administrative oversight for the program is provided by the Division of Student Affairs.