Anchor: Kent State is the first university to have a dog therapy program for students. Reporter Gabrielle Payne spent some time with the owners and pups to find out more.

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Nat Sound: Dog Owner

Kent State celebrated Student Appreciation Day at the library Monday. Those in attendance were greeted by some very special guests. Dogs on Campus is the world’s first pet therapy program designed for students.

Dr. Kathy Amale started the program after wanting to help homesick students make an easier transition into college.

Dr. Amale: “Most of the students that come do want to touch and pet they dog and they absolutely say to me, “Wow this was great! Thank you so much for being here.” And that’s what this is all about for us.”

Owners gathered in the library foyer for students to meet their canine companions. Students spent the afternoon laughing and loving their new furry friends.

Aisling Delaney: “Such a surprise to see them here. It just made me feel at home. I get to go pet the dogs, and it’s soothing.”

Many of the dogs in the program were either adopted or rescued from shelters. This made a huge difference in their lives. Now, they are making a difference in the lives of others.

Half of all dogs in animal shelters are euthanized due to overpopulation. Owner Anita named her dog Penny as a reminder that every animal has worth.

Anita Dudiwka: “It’s a wonderful thing for them to be able to enjoy that. For the students here, they’re lonely, they left a pet at home, and it’s hard. That would be so hard. And so it’s wonderful for them to come up here and let them get their fix.”

For a full schedule of when you can hang out with man’s best friend, visit DogsonCampus.org

For Broadcast Beat Reporting, I’m Gabrielle Payne.