“She does rounds in the morning, says hi to everyone, gets her fair share of pets, and in exchange, we get smiles,” said senior health behavior science major Olivia Jacobson. 

As part of her training as an emotional support animal (ESA), Maybe takes obedience classes at the Wilmington Kennel Club. This summer, she aims to pass her Canine Good Citizen Test through PAWS for People, a nonprofit organization that provides pet therapy. Once her ESA status is granted, Maybe and Dominick will be official volunteers with the Paws in the Workplace Program.

Maybe’s ESA status differs from that of federally protected service dogs, which are trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities; these working dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and can accompany their handlers everywhere they go. Canine Companions for Independence, a UD student group, raises and trains service dogs for people with cognitive and physical disabilities.

To pass her Canine Good Citizen exam and obtain her ESA certification, Maybe must pass a range of tests, including obeying sit/stay commands, coming when called, walking through a crowd, and supervised separation. 

“I diligently work on her training at home. It’s all about consistency, so I use the same commands,” Dominick said. “But it all comes down to the dog’s affect, how well she gets along with folks, and how socialized she is with people and other animals.” 

So far, that piece is going well. Dominick also has an 18-year-old one-eyed cat at home. Louie and Maybe are best friends. But so are Maybe and Dominick.

“She gives me a reason to get up daily,” he said. “I have a routine, and she gets me out to socialize and keeps me active, so that’s wonderful. She’s also a wonderful ear to listen to me complain and gripe at times, and she provides me with so much love and support. It’s such a win-win all the way around.” 

For Dominick, Maybe has been a godsend. He’s always had dogs in his family and lost his previous rescue pup, Piper, after she was stolen from his backyard in June of 2022.

“As soon as I got Maybe, I was just so happy again, and everything turned around,” he said.  

Dominick, a huge Arrested Development fan, named Maybe after a character in the show. Despite her name, Dominick knew from the moment he saw Maybe that she was the one — no maybes about it. 

“She was the last one on the list at the shelter, and when I walked in, she was behind a puppy gate. I bent down, and she came nose-to-nose with me and climbed over my shoulder to get over the gate. And I said, ‘Maybe it’s you.’ And that was it. She picked me; I think she knew how much I needed her.” 

But Dominick’s students need her, too. 

“At the end of the day, health promotion is about quality of life and improving people’s quality of life,” Dominick said. “Pet therapy has been shown to reduce stress and improve patient quality of life and outcomes, and I’d love to see more pet therapy at UD.” 

Jillian Trabulsi, professor and chair of the Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences (HBNS) in the College of Health Sciences, sees Maybe as an honorary department mascot. 

“Whether in the classroom or working with PAWS for People, Maybe epitomizes our mission to support the health and well-being of individuals and communities and give back to others,” Trabulsi said.  

For many students, this marks their first time having a therapy dog in class. 

“She brings everyone’s spirits up,” McDermott said. “It speaks volumes about UD that they’re willing to allow something as simple as letting a dog come to class; it’s not a crazy concept, and it really does benefit the students.” 

“I’d love to see more dogs in my classes,” Jacobson said. “She definitely improves Dr. Dominick's life; he loves that dog. But she also improves our overall mental health. When she comes over and says hi to you in the morning, that bit of happiness starts your day off right, and you feel better.”