Ruggles is Salve Regina University's beloved therapy dog, bringing comfort, connection, and smiles to students, faculty, staff, and visitors across campus in Newport, Rhode Island. As a professionally trained therapy dog, Ruggles is an important part of the university's commitment to student wellness, mental health, and creating a welcoming campus community.

Supporting Student Wellness Through Animal-Assisted Therapy

College life can be exciting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. Whether students are adjusting to campus life, preparing for exams, or managing everyday stress, Ruggles provides calm, non-judgmental support through positive human-animal interaction.

Research has shown that therapy dog visits can help:

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Improve mood and emotional well-being

• Encourage healthy social connections

• Support resilience during challenging times

• Create a more welcoming campus environment

Ruggles regularly participates in student wellness events, orientation programs, finals week stress-relief activities, residence hall visits, and campus celebrations, giving students opportunities to relax, recharge, and connect.

What Is a Therapy Dog?

Unlike a service dog, which is individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, a therapy dog works with a trained handler to provide comfort, emotional support, and positive interactions for groups of people in settings such as colleges, hospitals, schools, libraries, and community organizations.

Ruggles is trained to remain calm, friendly, and confident in a variety of campus environments, making every interaction safe, enjoyable, and meaningful.

A Favorite Member of the Salve Regina Community

Known for a gentle personality and wagging tail, Ruggles has become one of the most recognizable members of the Salve Regina community. Students often look forward to seeing Ruggles during campus events, wellness programs, and special appearances, where a few minutes spent petting a friendly therapy dog can brighten an entire day.

Whether offering comfort during finals, celebrating campus traditions, or simply sharing a quiet moment with a student, Ruggles helps foster a culture of compassion, connection, and well-being throughout Salve Regina University.

Experience the Benefits of a Therapy Dog

Ruggles demonstrates the powerful impact that professionally trained therapy dogs can have in educational settings. Therapy dog programs continue to grow on college campuses because they promote emotional wellness, reduce stress, and strengthen community connections.

At Salve Regina University, Ruggles is more than a campus favorite—he is an ambassador for kindness, wellness, and the healing power of the human-animal bond.