It is hard to believe two years have passed since Schoolcraft College welcomed its five therapy dogs, Starla, Scout, Teddy, Copper and Mocha, to campus. Known collectively as the Campus Comfort Companions, the beloved Chocolate Labrador Retrievers have officially
turned two.

For many in the campus community, the pups’ arrival is still fresh in their minds. In spring 2024, students and staff voted for the dogs’ names in an online poll before welcoming them as part of a new initiative designed to reduce student stress, support emotional
wellness and brighten the days of students and staff alike. By all accounts, the programs have far exceeded expectations.

“When you see us around campus, wherever we go, everyone is just overjoyed when they see the dogs,” said Schoolcraft Police Sgt. Carla Murray, Starla’s handler. “They have overwhelmingly been a great success here, bigger than we could’ve ever imagined here on
campus. They are very popular!”

Since their arrival, the therapy dogs have become oh-so familiar and cherished faces at Schoolcraft. You can find them touching hearts all around campus. Starla, for instance, can often be found in the McDowell building at Student Services, calming students in
crisis. “People really enjoy it, the dogs bring a lot of joy to people. Their impact has been incredible,” said Murray.

All five of the pups received early training from their breeder, and after arriving on campus, continued their obedience and comfort-companion lessons. By their first birthdays, all of the pups had received their certifications.

All five dogs are now full-fledged celebrities, responding to visit requests from faculty, attending campus events and supporting students in need of a calming presence. The dogs are very busy.

“I’m now on Starla’s schedule,” Murray joked. “I have to get her to all her appointments every day.”

The pack even travels off campus to attend community events like Touch-A-Truck and Faith and Blue. Recently, Starla was invited to the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Prom With a Purpose: Night to Shine, a special evening for individuals with disabilities, showing that
the dogs have made an impact reaching well beyond Schoolcraft campus.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the program, so far, has been how the dogs help foster human-to-human connections. Schoolcraft Police Chief Mark Engstrom noted that while stress can sharpen focus and performance, too much of it can take a toll.

“Studying for exams, working on large projects, or just navigating life; it all adds up sometimes,” said Engstrom. “Dogs help humans navigate through these types of challenges. They’re selfless, abounding in love, and ready to absorb the negativity that
sometimes surrounds us.”

Schoolcraft student Angela González echoed Engstrom’s comments. “Therapy dogs like Copper have helped me a lot through rocky semesters. They are very kind and gentle which helps me relax before a tough exam, it definitely helps that they are cute!”
Partnered with their police handlers, the pups serve another important role, strengthening the community’s relationship with campus police. When asked whether the dogs have positively influenced perceptions of campus police, both Engstrom and Murray
agreed, they have.

“The dogs allow for conversations that might not otherwise take place, and those conversations lead to relationship building,” noted Engstrom. “Suddenly, fears or uncertainties on both sides go away. And slowly but surely, true community is built.”

As our beloved Campus Comfort Companions wrap up their second birthday celebrations, the future of the program looks
strong. The dogs have been extremely well received and the college continues to support therapy dog visits through scheduled events and faculty requests. The happiness these dogs bring to campus shows no sign of slowing.

As Engstrom put it, simply: “Dogs. They’re pretty awesome.”

The Campus Comfort Companions program is made possible through the generosity of the Schoolcraft College Foundation. Fulfilling part of the College’s Strategic Plan, these dogs will continue to connect not just with the campus but with the greater community as well for
years to come.

To keep up with the comfort dogs’ adventures, follow @sc_pups on Instagram.