| March 1st, 2018

Service dogs on FAMU’s campus: Have you seen them?

By: journeymagazine

By| Kristian Thomas

It’s safe to say that a dog is man’s best friend.

But in this case the dog is more than a friend: He’s a FAMU student’s solace and comfort.  A four-legged friend is giving that level of comfort to Christina, who asked that her last name not be revealed.

College students need support; the hustle and bustle of higher learning combined with personal endeavors can weigh heavier on others.

Service animals are becoming more common every day. You may see them on flights, in restaurants and a host of other places. Now one is on the highest of seven hills.

“I adopted my service dog three months ago. I was experiencing anxiety after leaving home and didn’t know how to cope with it,” Christina said.

According to the university’s Resident Life Handbook, on March 15, 2011, FAMU recognized dogs as service animals, allowing service dogs to help and assist Rattlers.

Seven years later, Eskimo (Christina’s service dog) is escorting her to class when she feels the need for extra emotional support.

Senior FAMU student Naija Campbell and Christina share a class where she often brings Eskimo.

“I like feel he is a part of the class. He sits on her lap and pays attention as if he was getting a grade like us,” said Campbell.

Although Campbell may think highly of Eskimo, perceptions of service dogs are often negative.

“People don’t understand him and criticize him. They don’t understand the good that he does,” Christina said.

FAMU student Thai Floyd believes that service dogs are necessary for those who have discomforts that people alone cannot soothe.

“I know someone with a service dog who attends Auburn University. The dog helps him cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from his time in combat,” said Floyd.

Yes, the service dogs are adopted just like any other dog. but they are totally different. They are not pets, and their training is not cheap.

According to the Service Dog Certifications website, an hour of training can start at $150.  

These dogs assist real people with serious circumstances that may be brought at any time in their caretaker’s life. They are on call at all times, insuring the safety and emotional wellbeing of their human partners.

“He’s remarkable, capable of detecting even the slightest of mood changes. I use his insight to avoid situations that trigger my anxiety,” Christina said.

She understands that not all will understand nor come to accept Eskimo, but believes strides can be taken to make students and Eskimo more comfortable.

“My hope is that people will open their hearts to service dogs and one day that mine will trust people indefinitely. I believe the campus can best help by spreading the word and help people understand that service dogs are needed,” Christina said.