The Eastern Washington University athletic training staff has a new coworker — a one-and-a-half-year-old yellow Labrador, golden-retriever mix named Queso.
According to a release on the EWU athletics website, Queso began formal training as a Certfied Service and Therapy Dog in July 2023, starting with basic behavior and training before moving on to official service dog training in late September. She officially passed her qualifying exam earlier this month.
“She brings emotional support for our athletes and boosts the overall mood of the AT room, greeting everyone with positive, contagious energy,” said associate athletic director for athletic training services Hailey Haukeli, head of the Eagle athletic training staff and Queso’s owner. “She is another extension of a support system.”
Haukeli didn’t get Queso with the specific intention of training her to be a service animal. Her pursuit of the certification was born from feedback provided by students after Queso made a few brief appearances as a puppy, according to the EWU release. Students noted the positive impact she had in just a short span by submitting to RealResponse, a platform the department uses for safe and secure anonymous feedback to administration.
Unfortunately, without service certification, university policy didn’t allow Queso inside facilities or off a leash. Then director of athletics Lynn Hickey saw the student feedback and recognized an opportunity, encouraging Haukeli to pursue the training so Queso could be on-site in an official capacity.
“The hardest part of the training was building trust between both of us,” Haukeli noted. “I had to learn to be able to trust her in completing the tasks asked, and she had to build enough confidence… she had to learn that when the vest is on it’s ‘work time,’ and when the vest is off it’s ‘play time’ and she’s free to do what she’d like.”
Centrally located within EWU's main athletics facilities, the recently-renovated athletic training room is a natural daily gathering place that nearly all of Eastern’s 300-plus student-athletes. Queso has already shown a particular knack for emotional support and matching students’ moods. She can be a calming, soothing presence for students who arrive stressed or feeling sad, but also matches the energy of students who come in and want to play or throw a ball to fetch.
“Many athletes will greet her with a high-pitched voice or happy gasp. Some bring treats or small snacks throughout the day, or even just say ‘hi’ before they begin rehab or treatment. Many have mentioned to our staff that coming and seeing Queso has become a bright spot in their day.
“It provides a unique experience for our student-athletes.”
