JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
In recognition of Nurse Tech Week earlier this month, students and staff in the METC Air Force Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice (AMSA) course took a break from training to visit with Bowser the Therapy Dog, accompanied by his handler and owner, AMSA instructor Staff Sgt. Jacklyn Cordaro, on May 8. Bowser’s mission as a certified therapy dog is to help reduce stress, improve morale, and promote emotional well-being for his many new friends. Being this was Bowser’s first time visiting AMSA as a canine therapist, the handsome two-year-old boxer was on point! The smiles spread immediately as Bowser calmly circulated through classrooms working his magic. The duo is affiliated with and perform volunteer work for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, visiting schools, colleges, clinics, and fulfilling other visit requests. In addition, Bowser also visits patients and staff at Brooke Army Medical Center as part of BAMC’s official facility dog program and makes monthly visits to the METC Air Force student dormitory where they are involved in the teal rope dog therapy program. Staff Sgt. Cordaro began the process of getting Bowser properly trained and certified when he was just a puppy with the goal of coming to AMSA on a regular basis. With a request pending, Staff Sgt. Cordaro hopes she and Bowser will visit AMSA on a weekly or monthly basis to continue supporting students and staff with animal assisted therapy.