Approximately 200 students attended Healthy Hounds Day where they got to engage with different campus clubs and organizations, try some sweet treats, and interact with therapy dogs. The event, hosted by Loyola’s Counseling Center , along with Active Minds, is designed to help students learn about the ways they can take care of their mental health and the resources available to them on campus.
This year, there were a variety of on-campus clubs and organizations present. In addition to the Counseling Center and Active Minds, The Student Government Association (SGA), LGBTQ+ Services, Thriving Spaces, and the Loyola Art Association were present. At each booth, there were activities geared toward mental health and relaxation, such as coloring and creating positive affirmations.
Rachael Hartley, program assistant at the Counseling Center, shared that it was great to see so many clubs present and she believes that this event had an important impact on campus.
“I think it’s really important to have an event like this on campus to encourage the idea of having a culture of care. Student lives are so busy focusing on academics and everything else they have going on in their lives that I think it’s good to have a dedicated two hours once a semester for students to really check in with their mental health,” Hartley said.
Beyond those activities, students were also able to spend time with licensed therapy dogs from Pets on Wheels, a non-profit organization that brings therapy animals to people all over Maryland. Chuck Yearley joined the organization six years ago with his Bernese Mountain dog, Bailey. He said that he loves seeing the joy on people’s faces when they see the dogs for the first time.
“I think it’s something endemic in pet therapy. I saw how happy people get when they see my dog. I think a lot of people miss their dogs and they love it when they get the chance to pet the dogs,” Yearley said.
Yearley shared that he would like to see pet therapy become more widespread, especially on college campuses. Many students at the event agreed with this statement, including Suzy Adima ’27.
“I really like this event. I’ve been stressed a lot lately so petting the dogs has made me feel a lot better. I hope next time there will be more dogs, and even some cats,” Adima said.
Assistant Vice President of Student Wellbeing Jason Parcover hopes that even more students will be encouraged to come to next year’s event. His goal is to make sure that all Loyola students learn about the importance of taking care of their mental health.
“By attending events like Healthy Hounds Day, students can experience firsthand the importance of taking care of their mental health in a fun, low-pressure environment. Ultimately, these events help normalize discussions about mental health and remind students that they don’t have to face challenges alone,” Parcover said.
Students in need of mental health resources can visit the Counseling Center website to view a full list of offered services and schedule appointments. Emergency walk-in appointments are also available for students who are facing a mental health crisis.
