By Sayuri Vargas-Hernandez, Staff Writer
The spring semester kicked off with amazing energy at Saint Leo University. Students returned to campus and jumped right into a week of classes and homework. With that said, Student and Family Engagement designed a welcome-back for students, featuring a full schedule of events to build community and create unforgettable moments.
From social gatherings to creative activities, the campus was buzzing with excitement. But among all the events offered throughout the week, one stood out as especially meaningful.
Support Puppies took place on Jan. 15, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., in the Student Community Center Lobby.
Support Puppies quickly became a favorite among students, especially those already feeling the first waves of homesickness.
The beginning of a semester can be overwhelming: new classes, new routines, and the pressure to start strong academically.
For many students, especially those far from home, the comfort of a familiar environment or the presence of a pet is deeply missed. That’s exactly why Support Puppies is considered to be a calming event.
“We host this event because we know many students are homesick or far from home for the first time, so we want to bring something that feels familiar. These dogs are support dogs, and they are very socialized.” Said Nathaniel Chavez, Assistant Director of Student and Family Engagement.
The event created a warm, calming space where students could sit on the floor, relax, and enjoy the company of playful puppies. The moment the puppies arrived, students started getting excited and got ready to pet them.
The stress seemed to go away, and students who had walked in looking tired or anxious suddenly lit up with joy. Some students stretched out on the floor with their puppies, while others played fetch, took photos, or simply enjoyed the simple comfort of petting a soft, friendly dog.
What made the event even more special was the way it brought students together. Even those who didn’t initially plan to participate found themselves drawn in after seeing their peers smiling, bonding, and enjoying the moment.
The view of students sitting in circles, sharing stories, and connecting over their love for animals created a sense of community that felt genuine and needed.
Many students expressed that they wished Support Puppies happened more often, not just during Welcome Week or midterms, but also during other high‑stress periods throughout the semester.
These moments of connection and emotional support can make an important difference, especially during challenging academic times.
The Support Puppies event was a reminder that taking care of mental and emotional well‑being is just as important as academic success. For many students, a few minutes with a puppy was exactly the comfort they needed to start the semester off with a little more peace, joy, and confidence.
