{"id":227017,"date":"2025-11-20T08:03:29","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T13:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=227017"},"modified":"2025-11-21T08:28:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T13:28:10","slug":"the-dogs-of-montclair-how-therapy-and-service-animals-are-changing-campus-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2025\/11\/20\/the-dogs-of-montclair-how-therapy-and-service-animals-are-changing-campus-life\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dogs of Montclair: How Therapy and Service Animals are Changing Campus Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Makayla Snyder heads to class at Montclair State University, she\u2019s 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\u2019s desk during late afternoon Business classes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give her a bone if she\u2019s being a little antsy,\u201d Snyder says, \u201cbut most times she\u2019ll sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Across Montclair\u2019s 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\u2019t just companions \u2013 they\u2019re essential partners in creating an inclusive university community.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor our students, these animals bring comfort, connection and community \u2013 reflecting the very heart of Montclair\u2019s mission,\u201d says Dawn Meza Soufleris, vice president for Student Development and Campus Life<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Makayla
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)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"A
While riding the elevator to class in University Hall, Snyder says, \u201cShe\u2019s technically supposed to sit on my left side, but if the elevator is crowded, she\u2019ll snuggle closer.\u201d (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Animal Support for Human Well-Being<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Montclair\u2019s 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 \u2013 helping Montclair feel like home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More than 30 emotional support animals \u2013 including dogs, cats and small pets \u2013 live with students in residence halls, all approved through the Disability Resource Center<\/a>.\u00a0 During finals, students de-stress at University wellness events<\/a> with bonus visits from therapy animals \u2013 rabbits, ponies and plenty of pups \u2013 invited by the Office of Health Promotion<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s real research behind what we see every day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Human-canine connections promote belonging, reduce stress, strengthen emotional well-being and lift academic performance.” <\/span>\u2013 Dawn Meza Soufleris<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\u201cWe have seen for years with our dogs and the students how they bring calm,\u201d adds Senior Associate Provost Joanne Cote-Bonanno. \u201cSometimes a student just sits with a dog and pets them for a while, because that\u2019s what they need at that moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Patrolman
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)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Building a Culture of Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Makayla
Makayla Snyder walks Katherine on campus. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Montclair stands out for its partnership with The Seeing Eye<\/a>, supporting students who train guide dog puppies. Snyder, a junior majoring in Business Administration, and Sara Brocken, an MBA student raising Fuji \u2013 her fourth puppy-in-training \u2013 teach obedience, resilience and essential public exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe get the puppies at seven to eight weeks old, and they\u2019re with us for about a year,\u201d Brocken explains. \u201cOnce they\u2019ve had all their shots, we bring them everywhere \u2013 baseball games, hockey games, classes. I even brought Fuji to vote. Anywhere we can expose them, we do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sara
Sara Brocken nuzzles with Fuji, a service dog in training, outside the Feliciano School of Business. \u201cWhen you get the letter saying your dog has become a Seeing Eye dog and see their portrait in the harness, you\u2019re hooked. It\u2019s sad to say goodbye, but there\u2019s so much pride in seeing how far they\u2019ve come.\u201d (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cote-Bonanno, training her third puppy \u2013 a black lab named Cody \u2013 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\u2019t easy for young dogs but is vital for their training.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She continues, \u201cIt\u2019s rewarding for us and the puppies, but it\u2019s also meaningful for those around us. People become more comfortable and less apprehensive about service animals when they see them in the community.”<\/span><\/p>\n

For people with blindness and other disabilities, access is essential. Even with laws on our side, barriers to participation still exist. That\u2019s why every step toward greater inclusion counts. It’s what we strive for every day.\u201d \u2013 Joanne Cote-Bonanno<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Stories of Change<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"risha
Loki, half Border Collie, half Labrador, is a companion to Trisha Silvasy, director of Internal Audit, Treasury and Finance. They\u2019ve been together since Loki was 12 weeks old, and he\u2019ll turn five this December. (Photo courtesy of Trisha Silvasy)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Treasury and Finance’s Internal Audit Director Trisha Silvasy\u2019s journey with Loki is one example of how Montclair\u2019s commitment to access and equity ensures that every community member can thrive and be fully included in campus life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Loki\u2019s telltale bark sometimes startles new faces \u2013 yet it\u2019s this alertness that has saved Silvasy\u2019s life three times, alerting her to critical symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor people like me who have disabilities, our service dogs are our lifeline,\u201d Silvasy says<\/span><\/p>\n

Students as well find support in Montclair\u2019s inclusive animal policy. \u201cWe\u2019re not just trying to do the right thing; we really are doing the right thing, the right way,\u201d Silvasy observes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Celebrities on Campus<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Alt
Charley and Pebbles, shown on the basketball court, are campus celebrities. Pebbles is Montclair\u2019s official \u201cpupscot,\u201d while Charley is listed as a member of the coaching staff\u2019s support squad for the women\u2019s basketball team \u2013 a true \u201cDirector of Pawsitivity.\u201d (Photo by John J. LaRosa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Charley, a golden retriever, began as emotional support for the women\u2019s basketball team and quickly became a campus celebrity. Her warmth and enthusiasm have made her famous far beyond Montclair \u2013 appearing on TV<\/a> and in People <\/em><\/a><\/span>magazine and regularly drawing crowds to \u201cPaw-ffice\u00a0Hours,\u201d wellness events where students gather for hugs and a dose of her calming energy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHer presence changes the energy in a room,\u201d says Courtney Cunningham-Jones, assistant dean for Student Services in the C<\/span>ollege of Humanities and Social Sciences<\/span> and special assistant to the head coach of Red Hawks women’s basketball.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard to be upset, anxious or overwhelmed when a golden retriever is running toward you,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pebbles, a mini chocolate labradoodle, is Montclair\u2019s official \u201cpupscot.\u201d From Welcome Week to finals season, the campus community looks forward to seeing her at special events, like her celebrated third birthday, and scheduled \u201csurprise\u201d visits.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"An
Once passed over because of her distinctive curly tail, Pebbles is now cherished by the entire campus. (Photo by John J. LaRosa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Living with her handler Thea Dyer, <\/span>associate director, Housing Operations, <\/span>in the residence halls, Pebbles has built a devoted following \u2013 helping students ease homesickness and deepen their sense of belonging.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pebbles was originally overlooked for adoption because of her trademark curly tail, but today she\u2019s beloved across campus. \u201cFor the puppy that no one wanted, she\u2019s now the puppy that everyone wants,\u201d Dyer says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Students in <\/span>Student Development and Campus Life <\/span><\/a>help train Pebbles. \u201cWe want her to be prepared so interactions can be the best they can be at that moment,\u201d Dyer says.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019s a dog at the end of the day, so you\u2019ve got to give her some grace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Discover a campus<\/strong> where comfort, connection and community are part of everyday experience. Visit campus<\/a> and connect with the Disability Resource Center<\/a> to explore supportive services that help every student thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Journalists:<\/strong> Contact Montclair’s Media Relations<\/a> for assets or to schedule an interview with faculty or students.<\/span><\/p>\n

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing<\/a>.<\/p>\n