A desire to spread joy to others inspired Laura Burke, ’00, to train her dog, Finnegan, as a therapy dog. “I am a designer by profession,” said Burke who studied interior design at Meredith. “But I do therapy work with Finnegan because I get to meet people who may not be at their best and bring them comfort.”

Burke started preparing Finnegan to be a therapy dog as soon as she brought him home. Having already gone through dog therapy classes with two of her dogs previously, she was well-equipped to train Finnegan on her own. Therapy dogs need to be comfortable being constantly petted, touched, and even roughhoused. Burke would roll Finnegan on his back, put her fingers in his mouth, and touch his paws to accustom him to human contact. Once he was fully vaccinated, Burke would also take him out in public to expose him to crowds, loud noises, and other dogs. And when Finnegan was a little over a year old, he became a therapy dog.

Finnegan volunteers at various places regularly, including a senior living facility and Cardinal Gibbons High School. The senior living residents look forward to playing with Finnegan twice a month and even invited Finnegan and Burke to their Christmas party. Finnegan is the mascot for the mental health club at Cardinal Gibbons. The club supports students who are coping with difficult situations. “Somehow, Finnegan knows to be extra cautious with senior citizens,” said Burke about Finnegan’s innate gift as a therapy dog. “He is never as underfoot with senior citizens as he is with high schoolers.”    

Finnegan also frequents Duke Cancer Center and WakeMed North Hospital Emergency Department. At the hospitals, Burke goes from room to room asking patients if they would like a positive diversion with Finnegan. Once a patient agrees, Burke shares cards with facts about Finnegan to start a conversation. “Sometimes I cannot believe we are not in the way, especially in the ER, but the staff is so receptive. And the patients are relieved to see him, especially those who do not have anybody visiting them,” said Burke.

Additionally, Burke has collaborated with Meredith’s Health and Wellness Center for over 10 years to bring her therapy dogs to campus. Finnegan usually visits campus during exams to allow students to destress and relax. “It seems like everybody connects with him and benefits from his presence,” said Burke.