Ariel, a 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, became a beloved member of the General Chemistry I laboratory class at the University of Colorado Denver. She accompanied her owner, John Brode, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who relies on Ariel as a service dog. Stephanie Akright, a biology major and teaching assistant in the class, found herself looking forward to Monday mornings thanks to Ariel’s presence.
Ariel captured everyone’s hearts with her adorable lab safety gear, which included Doggles to protect her eyes, red booties for her feet, and a service-dog vest. Brode shared that Ariel quickly became a celebrity in the lab, garnering attention not only from students but also from Chemical & Engineering News, which featured a story about her unique attire.
Concerned about safety, Brode consulted Cathy Rathbun, the Chemistry Department laboratory coordinator, on the precautions needed for Ariel in the lab. Rathbun, drawing from her own experiences, emphasized the importance of protective gear for animals in laboratory settings. She recounted a tragic incident involving a dog in a radiation lab, stressing the necessity of such measures.
Rathbun commended Ariel’s calm demeanor throughout the semester, noting her well-trained behavior. Akright also praised Ariel’s presence, highlighting the respect and admiration the students showed towards the service dog. She acknowledged the increasing visibility of service dogs on college campuses, attributing it to a growing awareness of their vital roles.
Brode, a finance major and military veteran, expressed his gratitude for the Chemistry Department’s accommodation of Ariel. He shared how Ariel, trained by the nonprofit Puppies Behind Bars, had significantly impacted his life, helping him cope with the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury.
As Brode reflected on the transformative effect of having Ariel by his side, he emphasized the profound impact she had on his daily life. Despite uncertainties about future classes in the Science Building, Brode remained committed to keeping Ariel as a permanent companion.
Akright, recognizing the growing prevalence of service dogs, highlighted the positive shift in societal attitudes towards these animals. She underscored the importance of acknowledging the contributions of service dogs, especially in supporting military veterans like Brode.
In conclusion, the heartwarming tale of Ariel, the chemistry lab’s canine star, serves as a testament to the bond between humans and animals. Through her presence, Ariel not only brought joy to the lab but also raised awareness about the invaluable role of service dogs in assisting individuals like Brode in their daily lives.
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