Dr. Mary Isaacson, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, ATP dedicated 23 years to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, including six years as the Program Director of the Occupational Therapy Program. In 2013, Dr. Isaacson launched the Professor Paws Project, introducing Niko as the first official “Professor Paws”. Niko joined Dr. Isaacson on campus and in classes to educate students and community members at the Schusterman Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrating the wide range of skills service dogs can provide. Niko was trained to showcase specific tasks, protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act, offering valuable insight into the unique role of service dogs. Under Dr. Isaacson, the Professor Paws Project expanded its reach through providing courses at the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges supported through the Tulsa Area United Way Innovation Grant. The Project used its platform to present to clinicians and students from across the state at the Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Association state conference to increase understanding of service dogs among clinicians. These efforts have contributed to more supportive client provider relationships, increased advocacy, and reduced barriers for service dog users. Beyond professional education, Professor Paws has engaged with local schools, scout troops, non-profit organizations, and continuing education courses. Dr. Isaacson and Niko retired in Spring of 2025, passing down the Professor Paws program to a new team with a similar mission. We are beyond grateful for everything Dr. Isaacson and Niko have done for this program and wish to continue their legacy for many years to come.
🐾 Rest in Peace, Niko🐾06.26.13 – 10.02.26
Dr. Mary Isaacson said goodbye to our beloved Niko. He peacefully went to rest in his comfy bed, at home and surrounded by the love of his humans. Niko lived a life that most dogs only dream of. He made history as OU’s first Professor Paws, where he taught students and the community about service dogs and the incredible difference they can make in people’s lives. But to those who knew and loved him, Niko was so much more than his important job—he was a friend, a companion, and a very good boy. When he wasn’t on duty, Niko could often be found wandering the halls, making his rounds and looking for a bite of turkey at Bill & Ruth’s, collecting belly rubs from faculty and students, or enjoying a good game of fetch at the end of the day. He was loved and cherished by his family, his extended family, and the countless friends he made along the way. Niko had a special way of bringing joy, comfort, and a smile to everyone he met. His paw prints are forever on our hearts. Thank you, Niko, for the love, laughter, lessons, and memories. You made the world a better place simply by being in it, and you will be deeply missed. Rest peacefully, sweet Niko. You were one of a kind."
Dr. Mary Isaacson & Niko