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St. Olaf College’s newest staff member shares many things in common with her colleagues: she loves spending time on the Hill, enjoys meeting new people from across campus, and — most importantly — she’s focused on supporting students.

There’s one key difference: Bertha is the only St. Olaf staff member who is a dog.

Bertha, an English Mastiff, is the first care and comfort dog to work with St. Olaf Public Safety. In fact, she’s one of the first dogs in this type of role in the state.

Public Safety Director Derek Kruse oversees Bertha’s work. He notes that she received special training and certification for her role, which is focused on providing a calming presence and facilitating conversation and interaction. Care and comfort dogs can help relieve loneliness and depression, even lowering heart rates and blood pressure for the people they interact with. She is not trained to — and does not have the ability to — search for drugs or help locate people.

The St. Olaf community is invited to a meet and greet with Bertha on Thursday, September 12, from 3-5 p.m. on Buntrock Plaza. 

As she gets settled into her new role, we asked Bertha to share a little about herself. She was happy to answer our questions, with some help from Kruse and Associate Director of Public Safety Zita Toth.

Welcome to campus, Bertha! We’re thrilled to have you on staff. What have you enjoyed the most about these first few weeks working with the St. Olaf community?
I love meeting all the friendly students, staff, and faculty! They give the best ear scratches and belly rubs. Also, all the new smells around campus are super interesting.

What was your job before coming to St. Olaf, and how did you prepare for this new role?
Before coming here, I was a happy pup at home, playing and learning how to be calm and friendly. I prepared for this role by practicing my listening skills, being around people of all ages, and learning how to be gentle and comforting. I also trained for several months with my handlers to achieve my certification as a Care and Comfort Canine.

You’re one of the first care and comfort dogs working for a Public Safety Department on a college campus in Minnesota. What’s it like to be a tailblazer in your field?
I am so proud to be able to help our community by providing extra comfort during challenging times. I may be big, but that just means there’s more to love! I think it would be great to see other colleges follow in my pawsteps.

Did you always know you wanted to become a care and comfort dog?
I always loved making people smile, so I think I was meant to do this. I didn’t know it was a job, but I knew I loved being around people.

How should people expect to interact with you?
You will see me around campus with one of my handlers. Make sure to ask my handler for permission first, then you can come up to me, pet me, and talk to me. I’m here to listen and offer snuggles! 

Why is your role on campus important?
My job is important because sometimes people feel stressed or lonely, and I help them feel better. Because I am also trained to respond to crisis calls, I can offer a helping hand (or paw) to anyone in distress. It’s like I’m a furry friend who’s always here to make your day brighter! 

What makes you passionate about Public Safety?
I love helping keep everyone safe and calm. If someone is scared or sad, I’m here to comfort them, and that makes me feel proud! 

Are you capable of sniffing drugs?
I’m not capable of sniffing drugs, but I still have a very good nose. My job is solely focused on providing comfort to our community.

What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love napping in sunny spots and playing with my favorite toys. I also enjoy walks and smelling everything around me!

How old are you? (In human and dog years.)
I’m three years old in dog years, which is about 21 years old in human years. I’m still young and full of energy!

Do you have a favorite toy?
I love my cactus chew toy! My dad says it’s not a real cactus, but it definitely seems real to me.

What is your favorite treat?
I can’t get enough of my doggy pumpkin spice muffins!

How do you feel about cats?
Cats are okay. Sometimes they’re fun to sniff, but they don’t always like to play with me. I respect their space.

More importantly for life on the Hill, how do you feel about squirrels?
Squirrels are so exciting! I love to watch them run around. I wish I could catch one, but they’re too fast! 

If you could meet any famous dog, who would it be?
I’d love to meet Lassie! She’s so brave and smart. I think we’d have a lot of fun together.

What is your favorite place on campus?
The quad! There’s so much to explore, and I love lying in the grass when it’s sunny.

What is your favorite fire hydrant on campus?
The one on the quad! I always stop there during my walks.

What’s the weirdest-smelling building on campus?
The science building has the strangest smells! It’s interesting, but I’m not sure if I like it or not.

What does it mean to you to be an Ole?
Being an Ole means being part of a big, loving family. It’s all about caring for each other and making everyone feel welcome.

Who’s a good dog?? Who’s a good dog???  Let us answer that question for you: YOU ARE.

Welcome to the Hill, Bertha!