Meet the WAGS Dogs
What to expect when you drop in
WAGS dogs are comfortable in busy campus spaces and enjoy meeting new people. With their handlers, they help create calm, respectful interactions during scheduled sessions, so you can engage at your own pace.
Breed: Shepherd–collie
Handler: Jamie Melatini (MacEwan staff)
Bella is playful, affectionate and energetic. She loves staying active, playing games and spending time with people, then winding down with cuddles after a busy day.
Loves: Fetch, frisbee, soccer, swimming and dried chicken treats
Breed: Great Pyrenees
Handler: Melissa Hills (MacEwan faculty)
Blue is gentle, affectionate and calm. She enjoys spending time with people and animals alike and is known for her caring nature and talent for turning every cuddle into a cozy moment.
Loves: Off-leash park adventures, tug toys and the occasional cheeseburger treat
Breed: Goldendoodle
Handler: Sherri Dickson (MacEwan faculty)
Elvis talks to people with his expressions, affection and happiness. He enjoys running around in the off-leash dog park and his plush green dragon toy named Puff.
Loves: Zoomies, cuddles, kisses, love and liver treats
Breed: Doberman
Handler: Jenna Dahl (MacEwan staff)
Kairo is playful, sweet, silly and dramatic. He enjoys squeaky toys, playing tug and is a very good listener. He likes to make sure everyone gets their fair share of pets in.
Loves: Meeting new people, new smells and eating steak
Breed: Golden retriever
Handler: Jennifer Bubenko (MacEwan staff)
Laney is social and outgoing, and she can be gentle and laid-back. She is a calm, loving presence and adaptable to most any situation. She enjoys meeting new people and getting attention.
Loves: Tennis balls, stuffies, cheese, popcorn and milk bones
Breed: Beagle–shepherd
Handler: Angel McVittie (MacEwan staff)
Lil Nug is chill, playful and funny. She loves getting attention, enjoys meeting people and is always happy to settle in for a little extra affection from everyone around her.
Loves: Cheese, any toy with a treat and getting lots of pets
Breed: Goldendoodle
Handler: Beverley Barker (MacEwan staff)
Lily is cuddly, sweet and playful. She is happiest when she is spending time with people, chasing a ball, playing games and sharing her calm, warm presence with others.
Loves: Fetch, belly rubs, walks and her stuffed chicken toy
Breed: Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Handler: Tara Winsor (MacEwan staff)
Lily is loving, gentle and sociable. She enjoys relaxing in the grass, keeping an eye on everything and greeting people and pets with her calm, friendly nature.
Loves: Greenies, peanut butter, cats and saying hello to new people
Breed: French bulldog
Handler: Michelle Malin (MacEwan faculty)
Margarita, nicknamed “Margy,” is affectionate, goofy, mischievous and full of personality. She loves making people laugh with her funny expressions and is always ready for a cuddle or a game of fetch.
Loves: Warm blankets, virgin margaritas, wrestling and sunny spots to nap
Breed: Maltese–yorkie (Morkie)
Handler: Sumiko Yip (MacEwan staff)
Momo is friendly, gentle and affectionate. He enjoys making new friends, going for walks and sharing quiet cuddles, often brightening someone’s day with a wagging tail or a soft nuzzle.
Loves: Dried sardines, belly rubs, quiet cuddles and riding in his bag
Breed: Husky–shepherd
Handler: Jacqueline Poon
Nakiska is chill, easygoing, patient and sociable. She loves meeting people, especially kids and young adults, and has a calming presence, particularly when sharing massages and dog kisses.
Loves: Massages, owl stuffy, rabbit-flavoured treats and going on “sniffari”
Breed: American cocker spaniel
Handler: Dave Kato (MacEwan faculty)
Poppy is quiet, very loyal and known for being a major league cutie. She enjoys snuggling, being cuddled and hanging out with people, especially when they rub her tummy.
Loves: Red Kong balls, beef, bison and chicken treats
Breed: Pembroke Welsh corgi
Handler: Caitlynn Legris (MacEwan staff)
Tia is calm (until it’s time to play), clearly communicates her needs and will drop everything to greet new people. Her little doggie smile will melt your worries away.
Loves: Sticking her head out the car window or wrestling with her best friend
Breed: Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Handler: Tara Winsor (MacEwan staff)
Watson is smart, curious and delightfully nosy. He is also bright, happy, open and playful, showing fully how he feels. He trusts that people will be kind and is curious about what they are doing.
Loves: Walks, treats, scratches and discovering what’s inside your backpack
Breed: Pomeranian–chihuahua
Handler: Marilyn Nikish (MacEwan staff)
Xan is caring, cuddly and loves attention. He enjoys meeting people, soaking up belly rubs and has a special talent for making everyone feel like they are his favourite person.
Loves: Belly rubs, treats and visiting campus to see new friends
How to say hello during a WAGS session
WAGS dogs visit campus during scheduled sessions to create calm, welcoming moments for students. Here’s what to do if you’d like to interact:
Check in with the handler before approaching.
Follow their guidance during the interaction.
Pay attention to the dog’s body language.
Take your time. There’s no rush.
Not all dogs on campus are with our program, but a WAGS dog always wears a blue bandana.