Therapy Dog Fund

Supporting the mental health and well-being of students, faculty and staff is a top priority for the university. One way to do this is through the comfort that a therapy dog can provide. The UIC Police therapy dog program helps to reduce stress, ease anxiety and provide a calm presence for members of the campus community.

Ham, a four-year old black lab that’s also known as ‘Pawfficer Ham,’ has been specially trained to offer emotional support. His gentle nature and loving personality bring comfort to people of all ages. Since arriving at UIC in November 2023, Ham has provided comfort to those in crisis during crisis calls and victims/survivors in the community and has also supported the mental health and wellbeing of police officers. He has also spread plenty of joy across campus - from his time spent in the Student Center East Safety Resource Center and casual visits to occasions like last year’s Convocation, the College of Nursing’s destressing event and other finals week activities.

As part of the university’s inaugural Give a Spark Day, please consider making a gift to help keep Ham doing what he does best. His work as a therapy dog has been a positive addition to the UIC police department that has helped build impactful and meaningful relationships with the department and the surrounding campus community.

Donations to the Therapy Dog Fund support Pawfficer Ham’s care and his continued visits around campus.