Nancy Snyder: Spreading Joy as the Human Half of Team Maggie
By Rob Biertempfel
Nancy Snyder's 9-to-5 job is a human resources business partner supporting the staff and management of the Tepper School of Business, University Advancement and .
On nights and weekends, Snyder is part of Team Maggie. She and her certified therapy dog — Maggie, a gregarious 6-year-old Shih Tzu — bring joy to nursing home residents and elementary, middle and high school students in Westmoreland County as part of the .
"I try to create a happy, healthy and positive work environment at 麻豆村," Snyder said. "When I go into the outside settings where I volunteer, I want to bring those same things — positivity and kindness — and provide connections."
A therapy dog provides someone in need with companionship, comfort, support and a friendly lick on the nose. Like all therapy dogs, Maggie had to complete practical training, pass obedience training courses and show that she is well-behaved and able to interact with strangers. There was never any doubt about Maggie's enthusiasm for the job.
"She loves it," Snyder said. "As soon as she sees me in my (Top Dog) outfit and I put her vest on her, she gets so excited. We'll get in the car and she'll be shaking in her boots because she can't wait to get to work."
Team Maggie recently participated in Hempfield Area High School's "Road to Happiness" mental health program and a weekly therapy dog event at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.
Maggie is a regular participant in Top Dog Therapy Team's 10-week youth program in which students learn about responsible pet ownership and dog training. One highlight is the "puppy parade" when students walk the therapy dogs through Westmoreland Mall.
"They were stopping people, like, 'Hey, do you want to pet a therapy dog?'" Snyder said. "It built their confidence and made them happy, and then they made other people happy. It's a good thing."
Nursing home residents often are not able to keep pets. That hits especially hard for those who must give up their long-time companions before moving into a facility. Eldercare patients, even those who are struggling with dementia, will light up when Maggie trots into the room. Sometimes, there are tears.
"I once had a man stop me and say, 'I miss my dog so much. I'll give you $1,000 for your dog,'" Snyder said. "And I said, 'Maggie is priceless, but we'll be back to visit you again.' It brings them such joy to see these animals, who are just so pure and so loving. It's very sweet."
Team Maggie hasn't yet visited Carnegie Mellon, but there is a way for students, faculty and staff to engage with therapy dogs. Paws to Relax, provided by Counseling and Psychological Services in cooperation with Animal Friends, is held on Wednesdays in the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics. Check the for dates and times.