Every Tuesday, students have an opportunity to bond with four-legged fuzzballs at Dog Days, hosted by the Lumberjack CARE Center. Below, Natalia Bonsell of the CARE Center gives us a glimpse into how this tail-wagging good time got started, why students love it and when Lumberjacks can join the furry fun in the Spring 2025 semester.
Born out of the experience of Lumberjack CARE Center case managers and semiannual pet events hosted by NAU Health Promotion, Dog Days is a no-strings-attached place where students can relax, connect and recover from the challenges they may be navigating in school or life.
Kelly Reber, assistant director of the Lumberjack CARE Center, shared some insight into how Dog Days got started: “Some years ago, we noticed that even with all the support and resources available, something was still missing. We wanted to create something gentle and comforting—a little spark of therapy and ease that could lighten hearts without adding to the load. This is how Dog Days came to be.”
In a recent survey, students shared that they miss their dogs from home. Interacting with the therapy dogs helps them feel happy and supported. One Dog Days attendee shared, “I have been very stressed lately. The second I walked in today, a dog came right up to me and basically collapsed in my lap. It is the happiest I have been in weeks.”
The therapy dogs and their human handlers are part of Pet Partners, a national organization that knows deep and meaningful partnerships are essential for building a happier and healthier world. The organization’s mission is to improve human health and well-being through the human-animal bond. Pet Partners is continuously evolving to meet the diverse needs of global communities with innovative programming, activities and educational opportunities.
Several therapy teams in the Flagstaff area participate in Dog Days on a regular basis, including Hiram and his handler Randi; Milo and his handler Kat; and Savannah and her handler Liz. These therapy teams share a deep, innate connection, and through this human-animal bond, they improve the physical, social and emotional lives of NAU students.
“Dog Days is one of our favorite therapy visits Savannah and I participate in,” said Pet Partners handler Liz. “Savannah adores the students and loves their enthusiasm. Being a registered Pet Partners therapy team allows Savannah and me to contribute and support our Flagstaff community.”
And as one Dog Days attendee added: “…the dogs brought me great joy. I love Milo and Savannah with all my heart.”
Overall results show Dog Days has been effective in uplifting and relaxing the student population. One student wrapped up many of our sentiments when they said, “Dog Days is amazing!”
Thanks to Pet Partners, case manager Rachael Shapiro and student worker Suhani Singh, the CARE Center will continue this event from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Lumberjack CARE Center on the following Tuesdays this semester:
Jan. 14
Jan. 21
Jan. 28
Feb. 4
Feb. 11
Feb. 18
Feb. 25
March 18
March 25
April 1
April 8
April 15
April 29