SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Springfield College said they'll be able to provide better mental health resources for students on campus with the arrival of their new comfort dog.

What You Need To Know

  • Springfield College received a new comfort dog in collaboration with MiraVista Behavioral Health Center to support students mental health needs

  • The new comfort dog, 'Rookie,' is an 8-week old Austrailian Labradoodle

  • Rookie will begin his services immediately and will work weekdays alongside fellow officers

  • Rookie can be reached for mental health services by contacting the campus police department

The Springfield College Police Department received the 8-week-old Australian Labradoodle named 'Rookie' in collaboration with MiraVista, which provides behavioral and mental health services to communities across western Massachusetts.

"Recent data points to the fact that the need for mental health support and services across college campuses has actually outpaced enrollment on college campuses," said MiraVista chief of creative strategy and development Kimberley Lee. 

"For this semester alone, we've had a lot of mental health related calls for service," said Springfield College Police Department Lieutenant​ Jack Vanas. Having a dog there would've actually helped our officers deal with the situation with the students."

Tuesday morning also saw comfort dogs from multiple colleges across the region, as well as the Hampden County Sheriff's department, showing support for the new service. For some students, the arrival of the new puppy is expected to be a huge boost of morale.

"I know that our counseling center here does have a waitlist," said Springfield College student Caitriona Pollikoff. "So I think having something like this in the meantime could be something very beneficial. Just for the students in general around finals time. Midterms I'm sure it would be super great."

Lee said addressing mental health on college campuses is vital towards a students ability succeed both socially and academically. 

"Not every student transitions successfully into a college environment," said Lee. "Many students leave there own family dogs at home and really feel that separation, and so having a comfort dog on campus is just one additional tool that college campuses can use to address the emotional wellness needs of its students."

The college said Rookie will be on patrol on campus immediately and will work weekdays as scheduled alongside fellow officers. Anyone looking to reach out for the comfort dogs services can reach out to the campus police department.