Can dogs benefit the students on campus? The people who have their dogs on campus believe that dogs do benefit the students.

Benny

Benny is an 11-year-old cockapoo who can be found in Cary Knier, director of counseling services, office on Wednesday’s. Benny helps put students at ease when they go to Cary’s office by putting a smile on their faces. Another thing Benny is good at is cuddling up to someone when they are upset.

“The benefits of having dogs on campus is they help students feel more at home, especially when they feel homesick or lonely,” said Knier. “Pets often help lower heart rate and relieve stress, which is something most students experience during college.”

Benny went to work with Knier at her previous job, so when she came to Lakeland in 2005 she continued to bring him along.

“He seemed to be a natural ice-breaker for most people because they would talk about their pets or pets they had as a child,” said Knier. “It helped them feel more at ease and led to other conversations. Benny also has a keen sense when people are upset. He might lie next to a student when he or she is crying, which is comforting to most students.”

Blitz

Blitz is a 3-year-old German shorthair pointer and border collie mix. He resides at Muehlmeier Hall under the ownership of the Hall Director, Brittaney Prosser.

Blitz loves getting attention from Lakeland Students, and he can’t turn down a game of fetch or tug of war. One thing he loves is performing tricks for people because he is an attention hog.

When he is off campus, he loves going to the Lakeview Park dog beach, located on the south side of Sheboygan, to play fetch in the water and run around in the sand.

“Blitz benefits students who miss having a pet around,” said Prosser. “Or he can just be there for someone who is having a rough day.”

MacKenzie and Mable

MacKenzie Chalupa-Batman Booger-Hoover BadPup Groll is a 3-year-old long-haired, miniature, double-dapple dachshund more commonly known as Kenz. Hurricane Mabel Seabass Groll is a 1-year-old short-haired, miniature, double-dapple dachshund more commonly known as Mable. Both girls reside at Krueger Hall under the ownership of the hall director, Amanda Farrar.

“Kenz got the BadPup from when she was a puppy, chewing on everything and getting into messes. She destroyed garden hoses, a Dyson vacuum cord, and many articles of clothing,” said Farrar about Kenz’s full name. “The Booger-Hoover is because she loves to try licking the inside of your nose. Chalupa-Batman is from one of our favorite shows: ‘The League.’”

“Mable got hurricane because when you say certain things like ‘hurriccaaaaaane’ she will go crazy and try to lick and nibble your face or hands or any part of you while you make noises,” said Farrar about Mable’s full name. “Sea-bass is because she is barrel chested and when she is on her back she flops around like a fish as she has a hard time rolling over and standing up.”

Kenz and Mable both love to run in circles in the field outside of Krueger, take long naps and cuddle with the students.

Kenz and Mable benefit students that may be missing their own pets or are homesick. Sometimes being able to play or cuddle with a dog is comforting enough to help ease that stress and worry. Both dogs can be lent out to anyone who wants to walk or play with them. They can be found every day in Krueger or around campus. Sometimes you will even see Mable chasing Blitz over by Muehlmeier.

Their distinct coloring comes from them being double dapples, which comes from irresponsible breeding that can lead to health issues. For example, Kenz was born completely deaf and can see very little out of one eye and Mabel is hearing and vision impaired.

“When approaching them, please let them come to you so they can smell and slightly see you so they know you’re there,” said Farrar. “Otherwise you can frighten them.”

They are very friendly and get excited to meet anyone on campus. Once they have met you a couple of times, they will remember you by smell and get very excited to see you again.