The end of the semester can be a stressful time for many students. From research projects and final papers to exams and moving or graduating, it can quickly add up. Offering therapy animals at the library is one way ASU Library helps to ease stress — not only during Finals, but throughout the year.
On Friday, May 2, several therapy dogs and one therapy cat from Sun Devil Paws Therapy visited Hayden Library for a fun and relaxing afternoon leading into Finals Week. The day also coincided with the start of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Sun Devil Paws Therapy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit made up of a dedicated team of volunteers led by Sharon Martin, who is also an ASU alumna.
“As an ASU grad class of ‘88, I wanted to help the students de-stress,” said Martin. “I know we have quite an out-of-state student population, and they miss their pets. We wanted to help them feel more at home on campus with some puppy love. Most of our dog handlers are moms of Sun Devils, either current or past. They know how their kids feel being away from home or away at college.”
Founded in May of 2015 during Finals Week outside of the Memorial Union, two dogs — Abby and Lizzie — engaged students and staff passing by. That first event led to meetings with ASU Alumni and ASU student government, and then requests from student clubs to attend their events. Soon, the Sun Devil Fitness Center and ASU Moms Facebook group were on board, and the organization continued to grow.
In 2018, SDPT connected with ASU Library to begin hosting therapy animals at different library locations.
“Personally, I felt our group had really ‘made it’ when we got the request to come meet the head librarians of Hayden and started volunteering in the library,” Martin said. “I was super excited to begin that relationship. Volunteering with the library gave us so much exposure to a variety of ASU students.”
ASU Library is committed to supporting students in all aspects of their lives. “We care about student health and wellness by hosting therapy dogs at our library locations,“ said Christina Peck, outreach programs coordinator for ASU Library. “We’re so grateful for Sharon and all the SDPT volunteers who help our students take a moment to decompress.”
During the last three weeks in April, SDPT attended over 25 events across all four ASU campuses, including several at the library. At Hayden Library, students were overheard sharing how much it means to be around these animals, and many reminded them of their pets back home.
Bonnie Griffin, also an ASU alumna, has been volunteering with her dog, Poppy, for 6 years. “Interacting with students is fantastic,” Griffin said. “The joy that they get from petting the dogs is great. I retired and started volunteering, and I love it. Poppy is a chill dog, and she’s perfect for this kind of environment.”
Sheryl Clark has been a volunteer for close to 10 years and brought her dog Charlie. Her son is graduating from the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts in spring 2025.
“I just love sharing my dog,” said Clark. “I love seeing the smiles. Sometimes tears. They’re just so thankful, so appreciative. They love having the dogs here. And the dogs are in their element.”
In addition to being an ASU Library employee for over 30 years, Julie Benzer has been a Sun Devil Paws Therapy volunteer for two and a half years. Her therapy cat, Thumbelina, is a star at many of the organization’s events.
“Thumbelina comforts students who are away from home and missing their pets, especially their cats,” Benzer said. “We were at Noble Library earlier in the week, and many international students were very excited to spend time with her.”
Martin sees firsthand how therapy animals support students' well-being and help them navigate difficult challenges. During the pandemic, that support was especially important.
“During COVID we could show those who felt alone and scared a bit of kindness,” said Martin. “In those days, we couldn't see students person to person, but we could go to the dorm areas and let them look out the window and see the dogs doing tricks or waving. The students in quarantine were scared and away from home and parents and just watching a big floofy dog do twirls and waves made them smile.”
Ten years in, SDPT continues to welcome new volunteers. Elizabeth Moreno, a recent empty nester, joined the program with her dog, Berkeley.
Her two children had recently left for college, and she wanted to give back. Berkeley, also missing the excitement at home, found his calling with SDPT.
“Everyone welcomed us with open arms,” Moreno said. “This is a fabulous program, and he’s loving it. The kids are amazing, and I can see it’s beneficial for them.”
How did Berkeley do on his first day at the library?
“He’s having so much fun,” Moreno said. “One student came over and said how much this is helping her anxiety. Everyone has a smile on their face.”
