Fur-tunately, Help Has Arrived!

By Abbi DiRienzo

At first glance, Ellie might seem like any other golden doodle; warm eyes, a gentle tail wag, and an eager love for belly rubs. But to students at SUNY Niagara, Ellie is much more than a friendly face. She’s a certified therapy dog offering a much-needed dose of calm and connection in the often stressful world of college life.

Ellie, who began visiting campus earlier this semester, quickly became a favorite among students. Whether she’s lounging in the library during finals week or greeting students/staff in room A167, Ellie’s presence is both comforting and uplifting.

“I always thought she had a great disposition to be a therapy dog,” says her handler, Theresa Zayatz, a staff member here in the Testing Center and Accessibility Services. “Our office works with all the accommodated students, and she is a wonderful addition here. Her calm and sweet demeanor helped me find a local agency that trains and eventually tests for certified therapy dogs.”

Therapy dogs like Ellie are becoming increasingly popular on college campuses across the country as part of broader mental health initiatives. Research shows that brief interactions with therapy animals can lower stress, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even improve concentration.

Therapy dogs often exhibit a calmer and more empathetic disposition compared to typical pet dogs, largely due to their specialized training. Therapy dogs undergo special training programs that focus on socialization, obedience, and emotional sensitivity to human cues. This careful preparation enables therapy dogs to provide comfort and emotional support effectively, distinguishing them from ordinary companion animals.

When asked to share a memorable moment where Ellie helped a student or staff member, Theresa Zayatz replied, “There was a student that was dorming here super anxious, upset and crying because she missed home. I brought Ellie to see her, and she calmed right down and stopped crying.” Moments like this are exactly what Theresa Zayatz hoped Ellie could do for people on campus.

As Ellie continues to make her rounds on campus, tail wagging, ears perked, always ready to listen, she’s doing more than just brightening someone’s day. She’s making a real difference, one paw print at a time!