Paws & relax: NAU’s Dog Days brings tail-wagging therapy to campus

NAU students can bond with therapy dogs at Dog Days every Tuesday. Learn more about the unique and popular program. 

At Northern Arizona University, a unique program is helping students combat stress and homesickness through the power of furry companionship. Every Tuesday afternoon, therapy dogs and their handlers transform the Lumberjack CARE Center into a haven of wagging tails and unconditional love, providing students with a much-needed break from academic pressures.

A therapeutic approach to student well-being

The Dog Days program emerged from a collaborative effort between the Lumberjack CARE Center and NAU Health Promotion after recognizing students’ need for comfort and connection. Assistant Director Kelly Reber explains, “Some years ago, we noticed that even with all the support and resources available, something was still missing. We wanted to create something gentle and comforting—a little spark of therapy and ease that could lighten hearts without adding to the load. This is how Dog Days came to be.”

Working in partnership with Pet Partners, a national organization dedicated to improving human health through animal bonds, the program brings certified therapy dogs and their handlers to campus weekly. Regular participants include therapy teams like Hiram and Randi, Milo and Kat, and Savannah and Liz, who help create meaningful connections with students.

Impact on student mental health

Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting significant improvements in their emotional well-being. As one participant told the NAU Review, “I have been very stressed lately. The second I walked in today, a dog came right up to me and basically collapsed in my lap. It is the happiest I have been in weeks.”

The program has proven particularly valuable for students missing their pets from home. Pet Partners handler Liz notes, “Dog Days is one of our favorite therapy visits Savannah and I participate in. Savannah adores the students and loves their enthusiasm.”

Spring 2025 schedule

Thanks to the efforts of case manager Rachael Shapiro and student worker Suhani Singh, Dog Days will continue throughout the Spring 2025 semester. Sessions run from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Lumberjack CARE Center on Tuesdays from now until April 29, with dates scheduled for January 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 18, 25; and April 1, 8, 15, 29.

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This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Copper Courier staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.