There’s a ‘golden’ presence that adds joy to the University of Northern Iowa’s marching band.
Meet Winnie. A service dog who also doubles as a marching band performer. This story follows her journey as a loyal service dog to a sophomore student, and how they both ended up in a marching band, stealing the hearts of many and showing the unbreakable bond between canines and humans.
Gabi Riessen is a sophomore at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and a member of UNI’s The Panther Marching Band. She was a transferee from Denison, Iowa, majoring in elementary education, and along with her, she brought Winnie the Golden Retriever. According to Riessen, she had trouble participating in band and theater activities in her previous school because she has a service dog.
In hopes of getting the full college experience without letting Winnie go, she chose to transfer to UNI. This is also following the recommendation from her two friends attending the university. One of Riessen’s friends named Ren is part of UNI’s color guard team, and she shared with her how great the experience is so far. Ren shared Director Justin Mertz’s email with her, and Riessen went on to contact him and ask about the possibility of her and Winnie joining the band. That’s the beginning of a new life for both of them and the establishing of a marching band with a furry member.
Winnie as a Charming Marcher
Director Mertz met with Riessen to discuss her participation in the marching band, alongside her service dog. It was a promising conversation and in the end, both of them were able to join the band. Director Mertz even expressed his excitement about having a dog as a marcher.
Today, Winnie is a bandmate to Riessen in the Panther Marching Band. Whenever they perform, The service dog marches with Riessen in the frontline. Riessen shared that Winnie has so far been doing well as a marcher. In fact, a lot of people loves watching her perform, and at the same time the canine companion enjoys the attention she gets. Golden Retrievers are known as highly adaptable dogs, which is why Winnie was able to adapt quickly to the new situation. Riessen playfully shared that she thinks Winnie is a better marcher than her.
RELATED: Service Dog Gets Reward for Helping a Child with Rare Disease Walk
Winnie as a Loyal Service Dog
Before becoming a part of the Panther Marching Band, Winnie was first a service dog to Riessen, and she still is now. Winnie is trained to help her hooman manage her postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Because of this health issue, Riessen’s heart rate may fluctuate and she could pass out without warning. Winnie can pickup the changes in Riessen’s body that indicate an upcoming fainting spell. When this happens, the service dog will alert Riessen so she can find a safe spot. She will then lie while Winnie guards her.
For Riessen, Winnie has given her a sense of normalcy. Prior to the arrival of her service dog, Riessen didn’t even think of going to college. Now, she can do band and attend classes because Winnie lets her know if she’s feeling okay. Service dogs like Winnie are focused during their “work hours,” which means people shouldn’t pet them. However, Riessen revealed that she doesn’t mind other people touching Winnie because she also wants her dog to feel a sense of normalcy. Winnie deserves to have fun and take a break from being so structured, Riessen added.
RELATED: Jude: The Golden Retriever Bringing Smiles to Sick Kids
From The Club
I always admire the dedication, loyalty, and protective nature of service dogs like Winnie. They make this world a better place for those navigating health challenges, and they deserve to have their own fun, too, during their lifetime. I applaud Gabi for letting Winnie experience normal dog days. I believe Winnie is just like other normal dogs, looking for a daily dose of attention and an opportunity to enjoy a quality petting time. I’m sure it would be to amazing to see Winnie and Gabi up close while they march with the band!
