“WOOOOOF” says Augi, a newly certified therapy dog, excited to see so many people eager to pet him. 

It was Thursday, where between 12:30-1:30 p.m., the Calvin Coolidge Library invites dog lovers from VTSU Castleton to pet and cuddle a few dogs. 

Students say they go to Therapy Dog Thursdays and often start sharing about their pets at home and reminiscing. 

“As a small child, sometimes all we want is a hug right?… You can come hug a dog and not have any judgment,” said Dunkin Snitkin, a counselor at the Wellness center who helps run the program. 

Many people see the social and emotional benefits of therapy dogs as well. 

“During the fall semester, so many people are new and are missing their families and their dogs, so it feels like home,” Snitkin said.

These therapy dogs don’t just sit there and look cute, although they do that too. They fulfill the emotional needs of people around them. 

“It really does bring a joy to people. They actually do smile…their whole face lights up,” said Angela Kenny, the handler of one of the dogs named Ollie. 

Students of Castleton had lots to say about the dogs – but more so to the dogs. 

Sadie Steckler used a baby voice to talk to Augi saying, “You being a good boy?” 

When walking into the library when the therapy dogs are around, there is laughter in the air. People have beaming smiles on their faces as they pet the dogs. 

“I don’t usually like small dogs, but I love this one,” said freshman Galo Scaramastra. 

He was speaking of a fluffy white dog named Bella, who has been working as a therapy dog long enough to have a degree. 

Dogs are able to get certified at 1 year of age through a basic obedience test that makes sure they can be pet anywhere, are gentle, and non-reactive, Kenny said. 

The company to thank for the event is the Caring Canines, which has over 30 trained therapy dogs. 

The Caring Canines started in 2002 as a club in Southern Vermont. Their dogs visit hospitals, schools and senior centers, bringing smiles to people of all ages. Therapy dogs provide other benefits as well, promoting decrease in blood pressure, decrease in stress and an increase in spirits, according to the company website.

Snitkin spoke about the environment of a therapy dog get together. 

“Nobody knows anyone, but they all get along and open up space for one another. It’s quite beautiful,” he said.