At UW-Whitewater, one of the cherished campus traditions isn’t held in a classroom or a lecture hall – it’s in the Andersen Library, where wagging tails and wet noses help students find relief from the pressures of college life.

Pet therapy began in the fall of 2012, thanks to Becky Jones, a former public relations staff member. She saw the library as more than just a place for studying – it could also be a haven for mental health and emotional support. With so many students missing their pets back home, therapy dogs quickly became a way to provide comfort, companionship and a sense of community.

Behind the scenes, a surprising amount of work goes into every session. Senior Lila Glatczak, a student library assistant, helps prepare each week. Her favorite task is designing the playful pet therapy baseball cards.

Each card features a dog’s photo, breed, name and quirky “stats,” and students collect them like keepsakes. Along with pins, hand sanitizer, and water bowls for the dogs, the details help transform therapy sessions into a welcoming event that feels special every time.

But the actual impact happens in the moment.

“Walking around campus, people are looking down at their phones and looking glum,” Glatczak said. “At pet therapies, I see people living in the present with smiles on their faces and conversing with our dogs and volunteers. It’s one of the events where everyone feels welcomed.”

Over the years, the program has hosted memorable events, including the pet therapy talent show. Dogs like Solomon, who prays before eating a treat; Chaos, who demonstrates barn hunting; Aoife, who dances; Russell, who plays dead; and Jasmine, who patiently waits for treats, have all showcased their skills to a delighted group of students gathered in a circle.

If pet therapy had a mission statement, Glatczak said it would be simple: “I am here to offer students comfort, companionship and a helping paw to help them recharge and return to class refreshed.”

Each week, the familiar sound of paws on the tile floor signals something special – the arrival of the therapy dogs. Chaos, an 11 ½-year-old French bulldog, walks in with the calm confidence of a seasoned pro, his special leash and collar glinting under the library lights. The preparation is almost ritualistic: a bath, a nail trim and a few minutes of quiet before the big visit.

When he enters the library, Chaos seems to understand his role. He trots straight to the center of the room, tail wagging, ready for his shift of spreading joy. Students gather quickly, laughter replacing stress as they kneel to pet him. One student, inspired by the moment, once handed over a hand-drawn pencil sketch of Chaos – a perfect likeness. It became a symbol of what these visits mean to students: small acts of kindness that leave lasting impressions.

And while the students clearly benefit, the dogs seem to love it just as much. Chaos melts into every massage, as he leans into gentle hands and closes his eyes in bliss. For him, it’s a job filled with affection, attention and a sense of purpose.

From the baseball cards to the talent shows to the quiet, heartwarming moments of connection, pet therapy at UW-Whitewater continues to prove that sometimes the best way to heal stress is with a wagging tail and helping paw.