Therapy Dog Hazel Helps BU Students

At the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year, Bluefield University Counseling Services introduced its new therapy dog, Hazel, to the campus community, and since her arrival Hazel has been making a big difference with students, faculty and staff.

Hazel is a white Labrador retriever, and she has grown significantly since her debut on campus. Many people are excited to have her as a new member of the Rams family; however, no one knew just how much Hazel would impact daily life on campus.

Therapy dogs are becoming more and more common at college campuses as students have increasingly turned to counseling canines for comfort and as a coping mechanism to help with the complex challenges of college life, according to Christine Kivlen, an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Wayne State University. Hazel is no exception.

One student on campus said that Hazel always makes the day better whenever she cuddles with them during therapy sessions led by Emily Cook, director of counseling services. The student said the interaction with Hazel gives her a sense of comfort.

Another BU student Reagan Hardy is a nursing major, so most of her classes are on the third floor of the Science Center, which is where Hazel hangs out most of the day.

“I get to see Hazel almost every day,” Hardy said. “She really does brighten my day when she runs down the office hallway to throw her body on me. She used to pee on the ground when she saw me, but she outgrew that, so that is good.”

Hardy added that she believes that therapy dogs are helpful in stressful environments, such as college.

“She (Hazel) makes me forget about everything bad that might have happened that day,” Hardy said. “I am really glad that Hazel is a part of this community.”

Cook said that Hardy is not the only student benefiting from Hazel’s presence. She said Hazel has impacted campus in many ways, and that she didn’t realize how much the university needed her until she was here. She said she has witnessed a change in a number of students who spend time with Hazel.

“The majority of students love Hazel. A few people are not dog people, (but) most people are quite happy to see her,” Cook said, “especially if students are missing their furry friends back home. Anyone is welcome to come see Hazel.”

Cook added that Hazel has helped her get to know BU students better and to recognize when they might need some encouragement.

“I have noticed students having a bad day, and Hazel senses it and will snuggle up to them and improve their mood,” Cook said. “It is very powerful to see that connection.”

Hazel’s owner, BU’s own Dr. Jessica Sharp, professor and dean of the School of Nursing, shared a story about how Hazel participated in the School of Nursing’s December 2021 graduation ceremony. Dr. Sharp said the graduates wanted Hazel to be a part of their hooding ceremony, even wanted her to be in the pictures from their graduation.

“Hazel loves every student she meets,” Dr. Sharp said. “She gets down on the floor to play with them, run with them, and she enjoys them so much. When she sees them (the students), she comes wagging her tail so hard her whole back moves. She makes every student feel like they are the only one that is important.”

Dr. Sharp also spoke about her personal experience with Hazel, noting how she reminds her every day of what is important.

“People are important,” Dr. Sharp said, “the way you make people feel is important.” 

So in less than a year’s time, Hazel has left a footprint at Bluefield University, and it is only the beginning.