By Carla Carlton
The newest instructor in the Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences has a lofty title and wears a fur coat no matter the temperature, but he’s far from a diva.
Vince, “the Knight of Lansing,” is Bellarmine’s new facility dog. Facility dogs are highly trained dogs that provide comfort and support in a specific setting, like a hospital or school, rather than for an individual. Vince’s main role is to accustom Bellarmine nursing and healthcare students to facility dogs they encounter in healthcare settings. He will also offer support to faculty and staff, visit classrooms, and participate in pediatric simulation experiences and recruitment efforts.
The yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever mix, who was bred for intelligence and calm temperament, seems like a quiet sort. But when we asked him a few questions, he was only too happy to “speak.” Dr. Leslie Leffler, chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department and Vince’s mom and handler, helped him type his answers. (Follow his adventures on Facebook and Instagram at vincetheknightoflansing.)
Tell us a little about your background, Vince.
I was born right here in Louisville! I’m part of the breeding program at Paws with Purpose (PWP), an amazing organization that trains dogs like me to help people who need us. PWP is known across the country for providing service dogs, and they make sure we’re really well-prepared for our important jobs. I’m proud to make a difference in people’s lives!
Did you always see yourself in a service role?
I started training when I was just 3 weeks old. At first, it was simple stuff, like learning to “sit.” But even then, I knew I had something special to offer. I come from a long line of service dogs, so I’m living out both my legacy and my destiny. I’m happiest when I’m working and making a difference, so yes, I guess you could say I was always destined for this service role.
How does a dog become a facility dog?
Becoming a facility dog requires countless hours of dedicated training. I spent much of my early life full-time at the Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women (KCIW) in Peewee Valley, where I underwent most of my training. During that time, I had a wonderful puppy trainer who would "break me out of prison" on weekends, taking me to different places so I could get accustomed to the outside world. Now that I’m older (I turned 2 in September!), my Bellarmine mom keeps me with her full-time, even at our house when we’re not working. I only return to KCIW for specialized training and grooming.
What sorts of things are you doing to help students?
One of my primary roles is to help prepare our nursing and healthcare students to encounter facility dogs like me in clinical settings. Through high-fidelity simulations and just being an academic furry mentor, I help my human pals understand how we can assist in patient care. Beyond that, I work to create a sense of calm and comfort for everyone around me. It’s like having a special superpower.
How can Bellarmine community members help you do your work?
I like this question a lot! Most people ask what I can do to help them, not what they can do to help me. To best help me, community members can start by understanding and respecting my role. This means recognizing that while I may seem like just a friendly dog, I’m actually on duty and have specific responsibilities to fulfill. It’s important to ask my handler for permission before interacting with me, as sometimes I need to stay focused on my tasks.
When you’re given permission to greet me, please do so calmly. And try not to tempt me to lick you—believe me, it’s hard to resist! Also, if you see any food or trash lying around, please pick it up. If I have a weak moment, I might eat something that could be bad for me.
What do you do in your spare time?
That's an easy one! I love running around the backyard and playing fetch with my mom. We also enjoy going on walks together—she’s always up for a fun adventure. I have a bit of a guilty pleasure: I can’t resist stopping to smell every flower I encounter. And when I’m not doing that, I love to watch the birds.
What’s your favorite treat?
I’m on a very strict diet to stay at a healthy weight, which helps me serve others for as long as possible. But I do get special treats, and my absolute favorite is the stinkiest fish you can find! When we’re working on really tough training exercises, my mom uses cod and lobster cookies. She isn’t a fan of the smell, but I can’t get enough of them. My other favorite treat is ice! There is a huge “treat machine” in Miles Hall, and my mom will get me a bunch. It is my favorite place on campus!
Finally: Lassie, Snoopy or Scooby-Doo? Why?
That’s a no-brainer: Scooby-Doo, paws down! Why? Because who can resist Scooby Snacks?