ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — University of South Florida St. Petersburg has a new way to offer emotional support to students, staff and faculty.

“Snowbird,” a facility therapy dog, was recently sworn in as the only comfort K-9 on campus.

What You Need To Know

  • “Snowbird,” a facility therapy dog, was recently sworn in as the only comfort K-9 at USF St. Petersburg

  • Snowbird has been roaming the halls of USF St. Petersburg for two months so far, providing emotional support for students, staff and faculty

  • The campus hopes to provide additional therapy dogs in the future

The two-year-old Golden Retriever Labrador mix will spend days crossing campus with his handler, UPD Officer Mark Lickenfelt.

Lickenfelt says it comes at a time when mental health-related calls on campus have steadily increased over the years.

Research released by The Healthy Minds Network also suggests 41% of college students suffer from depression symptoms.

“He’s here to provide comfort and therapy to students, staff and faculty that are going through anxieties,” said Lickenfelt. “Such as stress, such as exams, life stressors, going through personal issues, as well as any type of just having a bad day.”

Snowbird has been roaming the halls of USF St. Petersburg for two months so far and is already making an impression.

“I love Snowbird. He’s so cute. He’s the bestest boy,” said freshman Tong Tavachara. “I was studying just now, and I saw his little head out the window and I just immediately just light up.”

Other students echo benefits of the extra emotional support.

“I feel that having snowbird is a great addition to our campus,” said David Nguyen, who serves as campus governor. “It provides our students a place to like to have their concerns and worries evaporate away. They’re just in that moment with Snowbird.”

Snowbird is also requested for campus events, community outreach and provides emotional support for victim advocates and veterans.

The campus hopes to provide additional therapy dogs in the future.