UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — What started as a simple idea has grown into one of Penn State’s most beloved student wellness traditions: Bring dogs to campus during finals week and watch the stress melt away. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), a unit within the division of Student Affairs, hosted its 20th Caring Canines event on May 5, on the HUB-Robeson Center lawn. Dogs from a local dog training group joined students for an afternoon of sunshine, snuggles and much-needed relief from the pressure of finals.
Students emerged from all over campus to spend time with friendly, well-trained dogs, offering ear scratches and simply sitting alongside them in the spring air. For many, the event offered a genuine, unscheduled moment to breathe.
Since CAPS launched the first Caring Canines program in spring 2013, the events have been held each semester, building a quiet yet meaningful legacy on campus. To mark the 20th milestone, students were invited to sign a commemorative yearbook, sharing how Caring Canines has made a “pawsitive” impact on their Penn State experience. A display tent featured photographs of the dogs who have participated in the program over 20 seasons, a visual testament to how many wagging tails have helped students through their hardest weeks.
The celebration also included a heartfelt surprise recognition for Susanna Hummer, a CAPS case manager who has been instrumental in bringing Caring Canines to life over the years, honoring the lasting impact her dedication has made on the program and the students it serves.
"Susanna pours her heart into this event every semester and the Penn State community couldn't be more grateful,” said Stephanie Stama, CAPS assistant director of community engagement and outreach. “Seeing the smiles from students who experience the unconditional love of a dog, or are reminded of their pets from home, are reason alone to appreciate all that Caring Canines has to offer.”
CAPS designs programs like Caring Canines to meet students where they are, offering accessible, low-barrier pathways to well-being, particularly during high-stress academic periods. It offers a multitude of engaging drop-in, prevention, and support programming throughout the year. Visit the CAPS Penn State Discover webpage for more details.
Penn State CAPS provides a full range of mental health services to students, including individual counseling, group therapy, crisis support, and community outreach programming. Students seeking support are encouraged to visit the CAPS website or call 814-863-0395.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement, and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.