Therapy Dog Provides Stress Relief and Joy to Mercer Law Students

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President William D. Underwood | Mercer University

Rose, a 2-year-old bullmastiff, has become a beloved therapy dog at Mercer Law School, providing stress relief and joy to students, faculty, and staff. With her calm and confident demeanor, Rose has become a regular visitor at the school, making weekly visits and additional visits during especially stressful times.

Harold Heck, a bar exam and academic success specialist at Mercer Law, is Rose's owner and handler. Having always had an affection for bully breeds, Heck knew that training would be essential for Rose from the start. He began training her himself from the day he brought her home as a puppy. Together, they have become a certified therapy dog team, volunteering in various settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Students at Mercer Law have expressed their appreciation for Rose and Heck's presence. Second-year law student Jasmine Smith described them as "very special and always show up at the right time." Spending time with Rose has been a treat and a privilege for students like Chloe Bonds, who said it makes their day better.

Research has shown that interacting with dogs can significantly reduce stress hormones in individuals. Heck witnessed this calming effect firsthand during Rose's first visit to the bar exam in Dallas. Recognizing the potential benefits, Heck decided to make Rose a regular presence at Mercer Law School to provide stress relief to students and staff.

In addition to their visits to the law school, Heck and Rose also volunteer at a juvenile prison, a hospice center, and nursing homes. They even started a program called "Thera-Paws" with the Georgia Department of Corrections, where they make weekly visits to the juveniles in the Burruss Correctional Training Center. The program not only allows young people to spend time with the dogs but also provides opportunities for the team to put on demonstrations.

On sunny days, Rose can be seen cruising onto campus in her sidecar attached to Heck's motorcycle. The sight of them traveling together never fails to amaze and thrill onlookers, who often take pictures and give thumbs up or honk their horns in support.

Heck, who came to Macon in 2011 to attend Mercer Law, has found fulfillment in his role as a teacher and handler for Rose. He teaches legal process to first-year law students, focusing on developing legal analysis skills. He also teaches bar preparation to third-year students and conducts various workshops.

Rose's impact extends beyond the law school community. She has her social media presence, where she can be followed at @therapydogrose. With her gentle and affectionate nature, Rose continues to bring joy and relief to everyone she meets.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2023 edition of the Mercer Lawyer magazine.