Categories: College University Athletics

University Welcomes Therapy K-9 for Student Support

Bailey, the therapy dog, provides comfort and support to students at the University of South Florida.

News Summary

The University of South Florida has introduced Bailey, the first therapy K-9 in Hillsborough County, to its University Police department. This initiative aims to enhance mental health support on campus, where the demand for such services has increased. Bailey, a one-year-old rescue boxer, will assist in providing comfort to students and staff, especially during moments of distress. With specialized training to calm individuals, her presence promises to foster a supportive environment within the university community and address the rising mental health needs.

Tampa, FL – The University of South Florida (USF) has welcomed Bailey, the first therapy K-9 in Hillsborough County, to its University Police department. This initiative aims to enhance mental health support on campus, where the need for such services has been rising in recent years.

Bailey is a one-year-old boxer that arrived at USF at no cost, serving as a valuable resource for students and staff alike. She is expected to provide comfort to victims of crimes, assist officers during welfare checks, and help students manage stress and anxiety through her calming presence. Officer Nicole Marchesano, who is Bailey’s designated handler, has highlighted the dog’s dedication to the USF community and her potential in diffusing tense situations.

USF University Police conducted 184 welfare checks during the 2019-20 academic year, reflecting an upward trend in calls related to mental health needs. Specifically, the number of welfare-related mental health calls surged from 92 in 2015 to 146 in the fall semester of 2020. With Bailey’s introduction, the university aims to create a more supportive environment for students facing emotional distress.

Bailey’s special training allows her to calm individuals in distress through interactions, such as petting. Officer Marchesano believes this ability is crucial, as it can help build rapport between officers and individuals experiencing anxiety. Additionally, Bailey also functions as a source of emotional support for law enforcement personnel, assisting in alleviating stress within the police department.

Prior to joining USF, Bailey was a rescue dog surrendered to the Brevard County Jail Complex. She underwent substantial training through the Paws and Stripes program, which focuses on rehabilitating pets and preparing them to serve as therapy animals. The training process lasted six weeks, where Bailey learned essential behaviors and techniques to remain calm even in challenging environments.

In preparation for her role at USF, Officer Marchesano engaged in a week of partner training with Bailey, ensuring they could work effectively together. To establish a connection with the student body, USF conducted a poll for naming the therapy dog, which garnered over 1,300 votes. Following the tally, Bailey emerged as the most popular name with 545 votes.

Bailey’s role as a therapy dog is distinct from USF’s existing K-9 units, which are primarily trained for drug and bomb detection. This unique position emphasizes the importance of mental well-being and the need for alternative support resources on campus.

As the university observes Bailey’s impact on the community, Officer Marchesano hopes her success will pave the way for additional therapy dogs in the future. The introduction of such animals is anticipated to enhance the mental health resources available to students and create a more compassionate campus environment.

In summary, Bailey marks a significant advancement in mental health support at USF, fulfilling an important role that addresses the growing demand for emotional assistance within the university community.