BRIDGEWATER, Va. — On Thursday, Jan. 23, the first two therapy dogs of 2026 arrived at the Forrer Learning Commons, bringing joy to students and staff.
According to the definition from the American Kennel Club (AKC), therapy dogs are trained dogs who volunteer to appear with their owners in settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, and schools, typically to provide comfort to the people in those settings.
The Office Coordinator of Bridgewater College’s Department of Student Life Rachel Sindicic, who was sitting with the dogs, said that therapy dogs come to BC around once a week and are there to help the students relax.
According to Seymour, since at least 2017 Bridgewater College has cooperated with local dog owners to bring their trained therapy dogs to campus. Many nearby owners are happy to oblige.
According to the Bridgewater College’s Wellness Education Director of the Department of Student Life and the orchestrator of the event Katie Seymour, the dogs enjoy it as well. They can recognize what they are there to do, are ready to work, and do it well.
Therapy dog sessions are typically done around the FLC depending on the temperature. It was warmer, so Maggie and Lacey were sitting outside of the library, waiting for pets.
According to owner Lenny McDorman, Student Life reached out to him to set up a time to bring his dogs, who have been trained to be very docile. Katie Seymour reports overwhelming positive responses from students when therapy dogs come to campus.
“I get constant positive feedback on having the dogs here,” Seymour said, which aligns with statistical and anecdotal evidence.
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) conducted a study on the effect of therapy dogs on college students, particularly their capacity to manage their stress and regulate their emotions. The study found that the majority of the college student respondents experienced emotions of gratefulness, relaxation, and happiness.
Students and faculty alike took time out of their walk on campus to stop and greet Maggie and Lacey. Many of them were dog owners, speaking about their dogs back home with McDorman.
Student Megan Verstynen said that she felt calm and that her spirits felt lifted after petting the dogs. Student Emma Babbitt reported similar results and said that she felt “a lot better” compared to her sentiments before she stopped to greet Maggie.
“I’m very happy! I love this dog!,” first-year student Sarah Nosar said as she was excitedly petting Maggie.
