PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
Facility Dog Program at ÌÇÐÄÔ´´
The Power of Paws
We are happy to launch a Facility/Therapy Dog (F/T Dog) program at ÌÇÐÄÔ´´. This program offers a powerful way to prioritize student mental health and well-being. College life often brings high levels of stress that can impact students’ mental health and overall well-being. F/T Dog programs have proven effective in mitigating this stress, fostering a healthier campus environment, and enhancing the college experience. Our goal is for Frank, ÌÇÐÄÔ´´â€™s Facility Dog, to regularly engage with students, faculty, staff, and administrators across campus. To ensure this, Frank will undergo proper training, receive regular veterinary care, and be provided a healthy diet, all managed by his handler, Tracy Daly. Frank is a Golden Doodle and is considered to be hypoallergenic as he does not shed and produces much less dander than non-doodle or poodle breeds. This project, sustained entirely by philanthropic donations, allows us to support Frank’s ongoing needs.
Meet Frank - ÌÇÐÄÔ´´'s very own facility dog! Frank is more than a petting dog! Interacting with Frank can help shift your nervous system from stress to calm.
Stress Mode ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ Calm Mode
- Stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline) increase
- Heart rate & blood pressure rise
- Muscles tense
- Breathing becomes shallow
- Mind races, focus narrows
- Feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, disconnection
- Oxytocin & serotonin increase (feel-good chemicals)
- Heart rate & blood pressure lower
- Muscles relax
- Breathing slows & deepens
- Mind quiets, presence returns
- Feelings of safety, belonging, connection, and well-being
We arrive
Stress shows up in the body and mind. We feel rushed, overwhelmed, or disconnected.
We pause
We pet. We breathe. We connect with Frank. In this moment, we are here. That is enough.
The shift
Touch, connection, and presence with Frank activate the parasympathetic nervous system - interrupting the stress response.
We restore
Our bodies and minds return to balance. We feel calmer, clearer, and more connected.
Grounded in Science
Research suggests human-animal interaction may support para-sympathetic activation, stress reduction, and feeling of connection and well-being.
Sources: Fine. 2010; Beetz et al., 2012; Nimer & Lundahl, 2007
Student Voices
"Frank helped me feel safe enough to ask for help"
"I came for the dog and stayed for the support"
Thank you Frank!
