Rowan therapy dogs Vivian and Ralphie named ASPCA “Dogs of the Year”

The ASPCA this month honored two beloved Rowan University therapy dogs, naming them “Dogs of the Year” for their impact on the people around them, from students and staff to first responders.

Therapy dogs Ralphie and Vivian (who passed away this summer) received ASPCA Humane Awards alongside a two-time Super Bowl champion, a youth pet hero, a pet advocate/content creator, and a South Carolina law enforcement agency.

Based in New York City, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals commended the honorees Oct. 9 for their compassion and service.

“Each has used their unique platform … to demonstrate strength and compassion in their communities,” said ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker. “Their efforts not only advance the ASPCA’s work to protect animals nationwide but show the profound difference empathy and advocacy for animals make in our society.”

Vivian Peyton, once a bait dog in violent dogfighting rings, was rescued by the Pennsylvania SPCA and rehabilitated through New Leash on Life USA’s prison-based re-entry program. Michele Pich, assistant director of Rowan’s Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program, adopted Vivian in 2012, building on the training she already received so she could become a certified therapy dog.

Pich dubbed Vivian founding “DOGrector” of the therapy program, where she comforted students, grieving families and first responders, including those who serve on Rowan’s student-staffed rescue squad.

“Vivian Peyton and Ralphie have done so much – from comforting grieving family and friends to providing loving companionship to students, first responders and sick children,” Pich said.

Even before Vivian’s passing, Ralphie—a cattle dog/pit bull mix adopted by Pich in 2021—stepped into the role of Rowan therapy dog. Pich said he now serves as “Associate DOGrector” of the therapy program, supporting Rowan students and staff, participating in clinical sessions, and representing the university at The National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium at Rowan University.

Pich will host this year’s symposium, which takes place on Rowan’s Glassboro campus Dec. 2, alongside David Frei, host of The National Dog Show Thanksgiving Day on NBC.

Rowan’s pet therapy program includes nearly 30 part-time therapy dogs who serve on six of the University’s nine campuses and serve first responders in Gloucester and Camden counties. Pich said the ASPCA learned of the therapy program after she appeared on a breast cancer podcast in 2016. Pich’s best friend, Associate Dean Kristen diNovi, Ph.D., lost a yearslong battle with the disease 2021 but Pich said Vivian comforted her friend throughout her treatment.

“Simply being around a gentle, loving animal during a period of stress or grief allows a moment to pause and take a breath,” Pich said. “It doesn’t solve every problem, but that moment can be a huge relief.”

In addition to Vivian and Ralphie, the ASPCA honored:

• Kid of the Year: Zayin Berry of Yuma, Arizona, who risked his life to save a kitten from abuse.
• Public Service Award: Logan Ryan, Super Bowl champion, and his wife Ashley, founders of the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation.
• Citizen Hero Award: Pet advocate Steve Greig.
• Henry Bergh Award: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for its work dismantling illegal dogfighting operations.