November 20, 2025

The Dogs of Montclair: How Therapy and Service Animals are Changing Campus Life

Meet the four-legged friends transforming well-being, community and student life at Montclair State University

Posted in: Admissions, Homepage News, University

A collage of four therapy and service dogs at Montclair State University. Top left: Charley, a golden retriever, sits on a gymnasium floor. Top right: Fuji, a black labrador, looks up attentively while wearing a green service vest indoors. Bottom right: Pebbles, a mini chocolate labradoodle in a white and orange checkered sweater with faux pearls, lies on a red couch. Bottom left: Katherine, a yellow labrador, sits outdoors in sunlight wearing a green service vest. — Caption: Meet, clockwise from top left: Charley, Fuji, Pebbles and Katherine. Montclair’s therapy and service animals shape everyday life across campus, fostering well-being, inclusivity and support. (Photos by Mike Peters and John J. LaRosa)

When Makayla Snyder heads to class at Montclair State University, she’s joined by Katherine, a yellow lab in training to be a guide dog for people with vision loss. Every elevator ride, hallway and classroom lecture becomes a teachable moment for Katherine, who quietly settles under Snyder’s desk during late afternoon Business classes.

“I’ll give her a bone if she’s being a little antsy,” Snyder says, “but most times she’ll sleep.”

Across Montclair’s campus, therapy dogs, service animals and emotional support pets are woven into daily life, championing a culture of well-being, belonging and mental health. For students and staff alike, these animals aren’t just companions – they’re essential partners in creating an inclusive university community.

“For our students, these animals bring comfort, connection and community – reflecting the very heart of Montclair’s mission,” says Dawn Meza Soufleris, vice president for Student Development and Campus Life.

Makayla Snyder, sits in a classroom wearing a blue and white striped sweater and light blue jeans. Her yellow lab, Katherine, a Seeing Eye dog in training wearing a green vest, lies peacefully napping beneath her chair. Other students sit nearby at desks. — While Makayla Snyder attends her Business class, Katherine, a Seeing Eye yellow lab in training, naps beneath her chair. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

A yellow Labrador retriever wearing a green “Seeing Eye Puppy” vest sits close to its handler’s legs on a tiled elevator floor. — While riding the elevator to class in University Hall, Snyder says, “She’s technically supposed to sit on my left side, but if the elevator is crowded, she’ll snuggle closer.” (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Animal Support for Human Well-Being

Montclair’s therapy and service animals foster comfort and support far beyond the classroom. Summer, a therapy dog, works with University Police and Victim Services through a grant supporting trauma-informed wellness programs. Charley and Pebbles spread joy and belonging at student events and in residence halls – helping Montclair feel like home.

More than 30 emotional support animals – including dogs, cats and small pets – live with students in residence halls, all approved through the Disability Resource Center. During finals, students de-stress at University wellness events with bonus visits from therapy animals – rabbits, ponies and plenty of pups – invited by the Office of Health Promotion.

There’s real research behind what we see every day.

Human-canine connections promote belonging, reduce stress, strengthen emotional well-being and lift academic performance.” – Dawn Meza Soufleris

“We have seen for years with our dogs and the students how they bring calm,” adds Senior Associate Provost Joanne Cote-Bonanno. “Sometimes a student just sits with a dog and pets them for a while, because that’s what they need at that moment.”

Patrolman Raymond (RJ) Miller of the Montclair State University Police Department kneels on a wood floor, as he scratches the ears of Summer, a golden retriever therapy dog. Summer stands calmly in front of him on a leash. — Patrolman Raymond “RJ” Miller of the Montclair State University Police Department scratches the ears of Summer, a therapy dog who works alongside University Police and Victim Services. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Building a Culture of Care

Makayla Snyder walks on campus with Katherine, her young yellow Labrador retriever in training, who wears a green “Seeing Eye Puppy” vest. — Makayla Snyder walks Katherine on campus. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Montclair stands out for its partnership with The Seeing Eye, supporting students who train guide dog puppies. Snyder, a junior majoring in Business Administration, and Sara Brocken, an MBA student raising Fuji – her fourth puppy-in-training – teach obedience, resilience and essential public exposure.

“We get the puppies at seven to eight weeks old, and they’re with us for about a year,” Brocken explains. “Once they’ve had all their shots, we bring them everywhere – baseball games, hockey games, classes. I even brought Fuji to vote. Anywhere we can expose them, we do.”

Sara Brocken sits on grass outside the Feliciano School of Business, nuzzling affectionately with Fuji, a young black Labrador wearing a green “Seeing Eye Puppy” vest. — Sara Brocken nuzzles with Fuji, a service dog in training, outside the Feliciano School of Business. “When you get the letter saying your dog has become a Seeing Eye dog and see their portrait in the harness, you’re hooked. It’s sad to say goodbye, but there’s so much pride in seeing how far they’ve come.” (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Cote-Bonanno, training her third puppy – a black lab named Cody – with her husband, John, shares: “We brought our puppy to a theater production on campus. The staff welcomed us and gave us a special section to sit in. Once the puppies reach six months old and are in their official vests, they learn to settle and observe quietly, which isn’t easy for young dogs but is vital for their training.”

She continues, “It’s rewarding for us and the puppies, but it’s also meaningful for those around us. People become more comfortable and less apprehensive about service animals when they see them in the community.”

For people with blindness and other disabilities, access is essential. Even with laws on our side, barriers to participation still exist. That’s why every step toward greater inclusion counts. It’s what we strive for every day.” – Joanne Cote-Bonanno

Stories of Change

risha Silvasy stands beside Loki, her half Border Collie, half Labrador companion. Loki, a large black dog is wearing a red and gray service harness. — Loki, half Border Collie, half Labrador, is a companion to Trisha Silvasy, director of Internal Audit, Treasury and Finance. They’ve been together since Loki was 12 weeks old, and he’ll turn five this December. (Photo courtesy of Trisha Silvasy)

Treasury and Finance’s Internal Audit Director Trisha Silvasy’s journey with Loki is one example of how Montclair’s commitment to access and equity ensures that every community member can thrive and be fully included in campus life.

Loki’s telltale bark sometimes startles new faces – yet it’s this alertness that has saved Silvasy’s life three times, alerting her to critical symptoms.

“For people like me who have disabilities, our service dogs are our lifeline,” Silvasy says

Students as well find support in Montclair’s inclusive animal policy. “We’re not just trying to do the right thing; we really are doing the right thing, the right way,” Silvasy observes.

Celebrities on Campus

Alt Charley, a golden retriever wearing a black harness, sits on a shiny basketball court, while Pebbles, a mini chocolate labradoodle in a red outfit, stands nearby with a handler. I — Charley and Pebbles, shown on the basketball court, are campus celebrities. Pebbles is Montclair’s official “pupscot,” while Charley is listed as a member of the coaching staff’s support squad for the women’s basketball team – a true “Director of Pawsitivity.” (Photo by John J. LaRosa)

Charley, a golden retriever, began as emotional support for the women’s basketball team and quickly became a campus celebrity. Her warmth and enthusiasm have made her famous far beyond Montclair – appearing on TV and in People magazine and regularly drawing crowds to “Paw-ffice Hours,” wellness events where students gather for hugs and a dose of her calming energy.

“Her presence changes the energy in a room,” says Courtney Cunningham-Jones, assistant dean for Student Services in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and special assistant to the head coach of Red Hawks women’s basketball.

“It’s hard to be upset, anxious or overwhelmed when a golden retriever is running toward you,” she says.

Pebbles, a mini chocolate labradoodle, is Montclair’s official “pupscot.” From Welcome Week to finals season, the campus community looks forward to seeing her at special events, like her celebrated third birthday, and scheduled “surprise” visits.

An athlete in a white shirt stands on a basketball court, holding Pebbles, a mini chocolate labradoodle, dressed in a red shirt. — Once passed over because of her distinctive curly tail, Pebbles is now cherished by the entire campus. (Photo by John J. LaRosa)

Living with her handler Thea Dyer, associate director, Housing Operations, in the residence halls, Pebbles has built a devoted following – helping students ease homesickness and deepen their sense of belonging.

Pebbles was originally overlooked for adoption because of her trademark curly tail, but today she’s beloved across campus. “For the puppy that no one wanted, she’s now the puppy that everyone wants,” Dyer says.

Students in Student Development and Campus Life help train Pebbles. “We want her to be prepared so interactions can be the best they can be at that moment,” Dyer says.

“But she’s a dog at the end of the day, so you’ve got to give her some grace.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Discover a campus where comfort, connection and community are part of everyday experience. Visit campus and connect with the Disability Resource Center to explore supportive services that help every student thrive.

Journalists: Contact Montclair’s Media Relations for assets or to schedule an interview with faculty or students.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing.