Clayton the Dog De-Stresses Syracuse University Students

SYRACUSE, NY — While students at Syracuse University enter the fall where academics comes in full swing, the Barnes Center at the Arch is offering more options to destress than just a casual workout. 

The Deborah A. Barnes pet therapy program is offered multiple times throughout the week, and one service dog is helping look to help lift the spirits of college students, who are just a few weeks away from midterms. 

Clayton the dog is a furry friend who shows his appreciation for the students who pet him with a simple tail wag, reminding some of their pets from home.

“I just left home and I am missing my dog so much,” says Freshman Kendall Soviero, “I have a labradoodle, and some of the dogs here look just like him. I just love coming to see them, they are all so sweet.”

Dogs like Clayton have to go through a detailed process to lend a paw to students, though.

“We have to get them trained, so we know they’ll behave with people,” said Nick Vescio, Clayton’s handler, “He (Clayton) is very active, but very passive, loves attention, so he was a great candidate for the program.”

Clayton visits the campus a few times a week, as can be found on the Syracuse University Events Calendar. But his job doesn’t stop there, as he visits local libraries, elementary schools and community events with his five handlers to provide stress relief to local dog-lovers across the county.

Reporting by: Chloe Breeze