If you hear the sound of paws padding softly across our campus, you’re likely crossing paths with Volley, the two-year-old yellow Labrador who excels at relieving stress and lifting spirits—one wag at a time. His title may be certified facility dog, but he’s been described using a wide array of words: calm, loyal, relaxing, and sweet, just to name a few.

Volley’s journey to the U began long before he was born. Christina Kelly Lecluyse, associate director for Programming & Outreach at the University Counseling Center, has seen the powerful effect visiting therapy animals has had on students over the years. Inspired by this, she embarked on a journey to bring a permanent facility dog to campus—enter Volley.

“I’ve always loved animals, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible healing effect therapy dogs have on students,” said Lecluyse. “Especially during stressful times like finals or crisis situations, we’ve had therapy dogs available to provide support for students and the impact is amazing.  Dogs can provide a type of healing, particularly around regulating emotions, that humans can’t always provide.”

After a lengthy application process, Lecluyse and Volley were paired through Canine Companions, a leading nonprofit in the service dog industry featured on the Netflix documentary, “Inside the Mind of a Dog.” Their mission is to “enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs.”  While service animals like these are often assigned to individuals with disabilities, Volley is officially deemed a facility dog, meaning he is trained to offer support to the entire University community rather than one individual.

With over 40 commands under his collar, Volley is more than prepared to provide a calming presence during one-on-one therapy sessions with students and lend his paw during group sessions, like the “Navigating Anxiety Together” group Lecluyse hosts. Some of his commands include retrieving objects, providing deep pressure therapy, and lying quietly at a student’s feet.

“Service animals like Volley are highly intuitive and can sense emotional needs,” said Lecluyse. “For example, in our group therapy, he’ll start out with me but then go over to two students, lay down between them, and lean up against them. He often settles right at people’s feet, offering comfort in his own quiet way.”

Make no mistake about it, though, Volley is still a pup, and as such, he still experiences his fair share of the zoomies he’s rightfully entitled to. The good boy knows when it’s time to get serious and reserves his zoomies for early in the morning before work or after a long day’s hard work.

“He’s the sweetest soul, calm and gentle most of the time. But for about five to ten minutes a day, he bursts into playful energy. That’s when the zoomies kick in, and he’ll race around full of joy. After a few minutes, he’s ready to settle down and relax again,” Christina said.

How can students meet Volley?

If you want to meet this friendly yellow Lab, keep an eye out for him near the Block U around noon on most Tuesdays. Lecluyse and Volley love interacting with students while the fall weather persists. You can follow Volley’s adventures on the UCC’s Instagram page (@uofucounseling).

To ensure Volley doesn’t lose what he learned in training, Lecluyse asks that he follow a command before interacting with new people.

“It’s important that he follows a command before interacting with others, to prevent him from getting too excited and losing his training,” said Lecluyse. “So, when you meet him, I’ll have him sit or lie down first, and then you can pet him.”