By Meghan Greene
Along with students, faculty and staff on Western New England’s campus, there are Emotional Support Animals as well.
By going through the Student Accessibility Services, students are approved to have their animal stay and accompany them on campus.
“The process was very long, which I find discouraging for people who truly need an ESA. The process started with me acquiring all documents from SAS, including a document for a medical provider to fill out regarding my need for an ESA. Once I acquired all documents, I scheduled an intake appointment, where I discussed with SAS staff my need. At this point, I took some time to find the right animal for me, which I did by visiting the animal shelter (Dakin) to meet some of the animals in need of a new home,” says senior Johnna Farnham on her experience to get her pet approved to live on campus.
Those furry friends range from dogs to guinea pigs. Farnham is the owner of an ESA guinea pig named Brooke.
Farnham says, “Brook is a spunky, adventurous piggy who loves to wheek and do zoomies at 8 am. Brook loves to start her morning routine with breakfast and a veggie snack, although she always asks for snacks throughout the day by wheeking and squeaking. Brook just recently turned 5 years old, which we celebrated on her gotcha-day. Since Brook was a rescue, her exact breed is unknown, but because of the cowlick on her forehead, I know that she is part white-crested.”
Farnham recommends that anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed is welcome to hang out or play with Brooke as long as they feel like, and she has seen great improvement in her friend’s moods when they do.
The next ESA on campus is a Poodle and King Charles Cavalier Spaniel Mix named Milo, who is owned by Junior Daniel Clancy.
“He absolutely loves to play ball, even if he is quite shy to people. I got Milo back during Freshman year, right when I transferred here and had a hard time adjusting, he kept me company,” Clancy shares on ESA Milo.
Clancy goes on to explain, “Milo has helped me to better take care of myself, and in return help others who may not be having the best day. My battle with anxiety has become easier thanks to Milo, and he even helps me sleep better.”
Another honorable mention for ESA’s on the WNE campus is Border Collie and German shepherd Mix named Ollie, who is owned by Senior Janelle Carey.
Ollie’s personality is described as, “full of energy, he is smart, loveable, friendly, happy, and full of life.”
Carey further explains her, and her roommates, experience since having Ollie on campus.
“Having Ollie on campus with me has dramatically changed not only my life but my roommates as well. I spent a lot of my time working with Ollie on his fears of the world and training him to perform tasks for me. This helped my anxiety because it kept my mind off of it. Also seeing him start to love the world again brought such happiness to me. I had a responsibility to take care of him, so he gave me a structured routine everyday which also helped with my anxiety. He gave me a reason to get out of bed in the morning and go to class and do my homework. For my roommates it was so cool to have a dog with them because who doesn’t love dogs? Ollie also brought them happiness and stress relief. He always made them laugh.”
These animals help more than just their owners on campus, and are able to bring happiness to a possibly stressful environment for many.
If you are interested in learning more about ESA’s on campus, contact the SAS office on campus, or Johnna Farnham is available to answer any questions.
