Saint Leo Community Memory Oral History Collection & Archive: Saint Leo's Animals

Furry friends are an amenity of Saint Leo University.

A fraternity brother in the making.

Symbolism

Dr. Debra Mims weighs in on the topic of animals surrounding campus.

When asked: What types of classes are available here on campus that pertain to animals?
She responded: "I teach the IDSE-310 course: Therapy and Service Animals.
The majority of households in the United States report having at least one companion animal. This course provides an overview of how human-animal interactions (HAI) and the human-animal bond (HAB) can impact animals, society, and work with interdisciplinary helping professions. Topics include: the social, physical and emotional/psychological impacts of HAI with interdisciplinary helping professions; educational benefits, therapeutic roles of animals; ethical and animal welfare considerations; and the connection between violence toward people and violence toward animals. While being taught from an interdisciplinary helping professions perspective, the content of this course is widely applicable across education, human services, social work, and criminal justice professions."

When Asked: re there additional programs that you know of that supplement these classes, or exist independently?
She Responded: "I am not aware of any independent or supplemental classes at this time being taught on campus. Hopefully, this will expand in the future. "

When Asked: Do you interact with the animal service population on campus? How so? If you don't, what are your general thoughts on community?
She responded: "This semester we had several guest speakers come in with their animals and give presentations. Even had students who have service animals here on campus come in and talk about their animals and experiences. "

When Asked: Is the campus welcoming to domesticated animals, that are not trained service animals?
She responded: "Yes, we have miniature horses, search and rescue, law enforcement k9's and therapy dogs come to campus and talk about their roles in the human/animal bond. "

When Asked: Do you have information on the live lion that once inhabited this campus?
She Responded: "For several years in the early 1970s, a live lioness was kept on campus in a cage behind DeChantal hall, Leo as the lion came to be called, was obtained when she got loose after jumping a local citizen's backyard fence."

When Asked:How would you explain your expertise pertaining to animals?
She Responded: "As a child I grew up on a farm riding horses and playing with my dogs. I became a member of the Women’s Professional Barrel Racing Association and competed in barrel racing throughout the country. I went on to become a Mounted Patrol Officer with the Tampa Police Department, serving the residents and community of Tampa.



My children were involved in 4-H training and showing pigs, steers, rabbits, goats and dogs. I was a 4H leader and helped many youth become successful dog handlers/trainers who competed at the Florida State Fair. I have successfully trained, and competed over the years in herding, obedience, rally, trick, freestyle, search and rescue and agility with various breeds (Rottweilers, German shepherds, schnauzer, Papillion’s and Border Collies).



I have numerous titles and certificates in many venues (AKC, USBCHA Herding competitions, AKC highest award: AKC Grand Champion and numerous MACHs and PACHs, USDAA Cynosports third place team, UKI Open competitions, AKC Nationals qualifier numerous times, CPE numerous C-ATCHS, CPE nationals'qualifier multiple years) and have competed for several years with numerous first places in the prestigious Florida only DACOF. I am currently competing successfully in both AKC and USBCHA sheepdog trials, with my border collie, Jude.



I have my own training facility: Dixie Dawgs Agility and Obedience, I am an upbeat and positive trainer that likes to push the limits of her students. I like to motivate people to be the best they and their companion can be. My forte is training international type courses that challenge both competitors and their dog’s skills, I enjoy working with beginners and advanced teams to help them achieve their ultimate goals."

When Asked: Are there any developments in the near future pertaining to animals on campus?
She Responded: "Yes, there are plans for a fenced dog park on campus with benches, waters, shade, and agility equipment. There are also plans to implement dog waste stations with poop bags and trash receptacles around campus for both the dogs on campus and the visitors that frequent campus as well. "