He is only 2 years old, he never graduated with a degree, and he likes to spend his free time digging holes and chasing squirrels. Yet still, he is an important member of the Winona State Counseling and Wellness Services team, despite the fact that he isn’t even human!
His name is Winston and he is a 2-year-old Blue Heeler/Rat Terrier and a certified therapy dog. His job here at Winona State is simple, to make you happy. The goal for Winston is to help students reduce stress, curb anxiety, feel more relaxed, and in general, put a smile on your face. With a wag of the tail and a smile on his face, being greeted by Winston can turn even the most burly, cold-hearted man into a squealing toddler on Christmas morning.
It was on a warm summer’s day, early in the semester when I first had the pleasure of meeting the one and only Winston. I recall fondly that I was doing some last minute review for a test I had the next hour. Suddenly, I was snapped out of the midst of hysteria by a familiar, wet nose of a dog. I looked up to find Winston looking excitedly at me, like a beam of sunshine peaking through the clouds on a gloomy day. Although our time together lasted but a few minutes, the thoughts of my impending academic doom slipped away as I played with the happy dog.
Nothing quite has the ability to brighten your day quite like the company of a dog.
If you would like to meet Winston, he is on campus in Counseling and Wellness Services once or twice a week with his owner, Lynda Brzezinski. If you see him on a walk around campus, feel free to say hi! Or if you can set up an appointment to visit Winston by contacting Lynda Brzezinski at
lb*********@wi****.edu
.
Update: Winston is now 10 years old, he doesn’t dig holes as much but still loves chasing squirrels!
(Updated 9/13/21 Ethan Kolb)
