TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Stephen F. Austin State University Counseling Services now has a new four-legged golden employee that will offer animal-assisted therapy to help students manage their mental health.
Rudy, a lumberjack’s best friend, gives students a safe space to heal while they brush his golden mane. Rudy does not work alone; his therapy partner, Holly Randall, explains how his natural instincts pick up on certain emotions.
“One of the most beautiful aspects of animal-assisted therapy with Rudy is witnessing how naturally he senses and responds to human emotions,” Randall said. “If someone is feeling down, he might nudge their hand for comfort or bring over a toy, inviting them to play and lift their spirits. Each interaction is unique, but Rudy’s purpose is always the same: to offer warmth, joy and a quiet reminder that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.”
After waiting for years to have a therapy dog, Randall met Rudy in March 2024. They spent almost a year completing fifty hours of coursework and passing a certification exam to be an official therapy team with the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals and the American Kennel Club.
According to Randall, Rudy can pick up on stress hormones and slight changes in breathing or tone of voice. Petting him can start the body’s healing process.
“Petting a dog for as little as two minutes can lower stress hormones, while also increasing oxytocin, the hormone associated with social bonding and emotional well-being, reducing the symptoms of depression, creating higher self-esteem and greater social support,” Clare Fite, director of Counseling Services said.
Rudy spends most of his time visiting athletic training rooms, attending individual therapy sessions and specific campus events. Around eighty students engaged with him outside the student center during a Pause with the Paws event.
“Adding Rudy to the team has been a dream for many of us,” Dr. Andrew Dies, assistant vice president of student affairs and dean of students said. “We are so excited about the positive work he has already done and the work he will continue to do. The constant innovation and collaboration from Counseling Services, under the leadership of Clare Fite, demonstrates the dedication to student success the Dean of Students units have.”
Students are encouraged to drop by the student center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Friday or submit a request through the Lumberjack Wellness Network webpage.
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