Bright Spot Therapy Dog Lily chills with some new friends.

This morning, I had a planning meeting with some folks at UMASS, Amherst, who are interested in bringing more Bright Spot Therapy Dogs to campus.  For starters, we will plan events around mid-terms and finals for both fall and spring semesters.

Therapy Dog Haas loves all the attention from students.

Our first Therapy Dog Stress-Relief Event at UMASS held last May 1st (the last day of classes), drew hundreds of students and was a huge success.  We had 14 Bright Spot Therapy Dogs on hand to sit on the campus lawn and chill with students who were heading into a week of final exams.  Many students talked about their own dogs and how much they miss them.  One girl said, Leaving my dog behind at home was the hardest part of being away at college.  Another student commented, This is the best thing the school has ever done!

All of our volunteers had a great time that day and are looking forward to returning to campus with their special therapy dogs.  Many more of our Bright Spot volunteers have expressed interest in bringing their therapy dogs to college campuses, as well.  So, we’ll have all kinds of therapy dogs, from giant Great Danes to teeny Chihuahuas.  The dogs have as much fun as everyone else.  They love their jobs!