YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University special education professor John Palladino has long been an advocate for the use of therapy dogs in educational settings. Since adopting his toy fox terrier, Kevin, Palladino has demonstrated the impact therapy dogs can have in both college classrooms and K-12 schools. “Kevin has a remarkable ability to connect with students, helping them regulate their emotions and focus on their studies,” said Palladino. “The research is clear – interaction with therapy dogs can significantly reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance focus, providing critical emotional and psychological support to students.”
The presence of Kevin on EMU’s campus and in local schools has given students firsthand experience with the therapeutic benefits of canine companionship. Palladino regularly brings Kevin into his classes, where future educators can see the impact of therapy dogs. “By interacting with Kevin, our students gain insight into how they can incorporate therapy animals into their classrooms,” said Palladino. “This hands-on experience is invaluable, particularly for those preparing to work with students with special needs.”
In addition to his role at EMU, Palladino and Kevin volunteer at schools, hospitals, and other community organizations. One such school is Lincoln Park High School, where Palladino works with EMU alum Hayley Cameron, a special education teacher who graduated with her bachelor’s in 2013 and her master’s in 2017. “Having Kevin in the classroom has been a game-changer for my students,” Cameron shared. “He provides a sense of calm and connection that’s hard to replicate.”
While Kevin is a volunteer therapy dog, EMU has also recognized the value of facility dogs. Tinker, a full-time facility dog on EMU’s campus, is available to support students during their time of need. “Having Tinker as a resource and going to see her in the library gives me the space to feel when I might not otherwise let myself,” said Josh Nieman, an undergraduate student at EMU. “She is such a great reminder that everything might be more manageable than it seems and that all stressful times will pass eventually.”
Palladino’s advocacy goes beyond personal experience. His research emphasizes the potential benefits of expanding therapy dog programs to meet students’ growing mental health needs, particularly in special education. “Research shows that youth anxiety and depression have skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among special education students,” Palladino explained. “Therapy dogs like Kevin can be powerful in addressing these challenges.”
Despite the clear benefits, the availability of facility dogs remains limited, particularly in schools that lack resources. “The high demand and costs of facility dogs often restrict them to affluent schools,” Palladino said. “However, volunteer therapy dog teams, like Kevin and me, offer a more accessible and cost-effective alternative.”
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.
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