Frank the Therapy Dog Turns 3: CSUSM’s Animal‑Assisted Therapy Boosts Student Mental Health
In early November, Cal State San Marcos celebrated a milestone that goes beyond a simple birthday. Frank, a golden‑doodle therapy dog, turned three and reminded the campus community of the tangible benefits that animal‑assisted therapy can bring to student and faculty well‑being. While photos of him batting at cupcakes and posing for Instagram captured the moment, the deeper story is about how a calm, trained companion can reduce stress, foster connection, and reinforce the university’s commitment to holistic health.
Frank’s Role in Supporting Mental Health at CSUSM
Tracy Daly, a kinesiology lecturer and registered dietitian at CSUSM, has watched Frank transform quiet corners of the campus into spaces of relief. Over the Fall semester alone, Frank completed more than 1,500 visits across a range of student activities, from group study sessions in the collegiate library to rounds at the Veterans Center. Each interaction, whether it occurred in hand‑shaking with a volunteer or a simple lap‑sitting, triggers measurable physiological and psychological responses that research shows can lower cortisol levels, fast heart rates, and improve mood.
With Frank on campus, students who have recently lost a pet or are dealing with family grief find immediate comfort. Others who are navigating competitive deadlines or adjusting to campus life uncouple from constant digital stimulation and return to a point of calm. The effect is community‑wide: faculty, staff, and administrators report that the animal’s presence reduces tension in faculty meetings and office hours alike.
Want to learn more about student wellness programs at CSUSM? Explore our resources.
How Therapy Dogs Reduce Stress: Evidence and Experience
Animal‑assisted therapy has long been a field of scientific inquiry, and recent studies reaffirm the claims that dogs can serve as low‑cost, high‑impact interventions. One published paper in the International Journal of Neurobiology demonstrated significant decreases in both psychological and physiological stress markers in participants after sessions with a therapy dog, aligning with Frank’s contributions on campus. The university’s faculty use his presence as a living case study for health‑behavior seminars and kinesiology courses, bridging theory with real‑world application.
Alongside Frank’s on‑the‑ground work, CSUSM partnered with interdisciplinary teams to document the benefits of the therapy dog program. Early results show a reduction in reported anxiety levels among visiting first‑year students, particularly those from rural or underserved backgrounds who may lack a nearby pet. The data also suggest a correlation between regular dog interactions and improved sleep quality, which directly influences academic performance.
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Getting Your Own Therapy Dog: What It Takes
For students and professionals wanting to replicate Frank’s mission, the journey isn’t a quick sprint; it requires training, certification, and community support. The path begins with selecting a breed known for a calm temperament—golden‑doodles, Labrador retrievers, or poodles are popular choices. Next, enroll in a certified program such as Pawsitive Teams or Love on a Leash to achieve therapy and facility dog status. These certifications encompass health screenings, behavioral tests, and owner education modules that align with university and public safety standards.
Once certified, the dog must perform a Good Citizen Test, an assessment that evaluates obedience, calmness, and the ability to remain stationary amid distractions. Frank passed this test with “flying colors,” a hallmark approved by the CSU animal‑assisted activity office and a testament to the care invested by Daly and the campus staff.
Want to start your own therapy‑dog program? Submit your application today for the university’s upcoming initiative, which offers mentorship from experienced handlers and access to grant funding dedicated to mental‑health outreach.
Connecting with Frank on Campus
Students interested in a casual visit ask for staff to find the dog’s designated meeting times. Frank is on campus Monday afternoons from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. by the third‑floor lobby of Kellogg Library and again Tuesday mornings from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Epstein Family Veterans Center. Drop by without advance appointment; the dog’s welcoming nature invites spontaneous interaction. If you’d like a guided session or a structured de‑brief with the CSUSM wellness office, book an appointment through the faculty office or campus portal.
Explore our related articles to discover how other universities are integrating therapy animals into health curricula and campus life. Read more posts here.
Frank’s Legacy and the Future of Care on Campus
As Frank steps into his fourth year, his presence continues to reinforce the campus narrative that well‑being is not an isolated concern but an ecosystem that includes humans and animals alike. The success of the program has prompted CSUSM to consider expanding to a second therapy dog and exploring collaborations with local animal shelters to streamline adoption processes. Moreover, the data gathered over the past year provides a powerful blueprint for other institutions looking to adopt similar initiatives.
For students, the lesson extends beyond the behavior of a single golden‑doodle. The program underscores the importance of community support, stress management techniques, and the human-animal bond as tools to navigate academic and personal challenges. For faculty and administrators, the evidence fuels policy changes around campus wellness, health‑care budgeting, and inclusive support strategies that accommodate mental health disparities.
We encourage you to join the conversation. Schedule a free consultation with CSUSM’s wellbeing team or write to us directly with your questions about therapy‑dog programs. Together, we can extend the positive influence that Frank has already emerged as a cornerstone of Cal State San Marcos.
