Heddy was bred by Canine Companions (CC) with the intent to become a service dog. She was puppy raised by a CC volunteer in Northcentral Ohio. When she entered formal training at the Columbus campus, Heddy communicated that service dog life was not her calling. With the support of her trainer and the CC community, Heddy was transitioned to the therapy dog program where she graduated in 2023 and placed with Dr. Aviva Vincent to work at Cleveland State University. 

Heddy passed her Canine Good Citizen test, which ensures that she can consistently demonstrate basic obedience skills, and safe and appropriate behavior in public. Heddy is also credentialed as a working team through Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals. 

Heddy’s primary role is to ensure that students in the College of Health are getting their paws time. She is always ready with a wagging tail, a full-body lean, and a wet-nose-sniff. Heddy has a sensitive stomach, so she enjoys approved treats, a good chew bone, and her stuffed animals. Heddy is happiest when resting against a person and getting pets; though she is always happy to take a stroll and enjoy the sniffs! Heddy’s nicknames include: Heddy-spaghetti, noodle, Hedwig, and oof-oof (per her handler's 1.5 yr old).   

As a therapy dog, Heddy does not have public access rights and is permitted only in pet friendly locations and pre-approved work environments. Therapy dogs are owned by the primary handler. You’ll see her on campus wearing her light blue/teal vest.