Stella the therapy dog comforts students at College of Saint Mary

OMAHA, Neb. – Stella, a 6-year-old goldendoodle, is helping students find comfort at College of Saint Mary (CSM).  

“For some of our newer students who may experience homesickness, having a dog around feels like home. For students who are anxious, stressed or have a challenging class or practice, taking a moment petting Stella and being present can help. It’s like meditation,” said Kristi Girard, Stella’s owner and handler and CSM’s student accessibility services coordinator. 

Stella, a certified therapy dog who comes to work with Girard, attends campus events, spends time in the Hixson-Lied Commons and will volunteer in the community. When not at an event or providing pet therapy to students, Stella stays in Girard’s office where she naps on a dog bed.  

“Supporting the emotional well-being of our students is huge. If students are not doing well emotionally, it’s very difficult for them to reach their full potential academically, socially and professionally,” said Sarah Hamik, assistant dean of student success. “Our team prides itself on offering holistic, student-centered services and Stella’s presence contributes to our team’s mission in a positive way.” 

Stella’s calm and welcoming demeanor and friendly and affectionate temperament makes Stella well-suited for the role of campus therapy dog, Girard said. 

In late 2019, Girard’s oldest son convinced his family that they should get a dog. Girard wanted a goldendoodle but hoped they could find a rescue.   

“In my heart I knew I wanted to get a dog that needed a second chance,” she said.   

A friend who worked at a veterinarian’s office shard on social media that a 7-month-old goldendoodle needed a new home because her owner could no longer care for her. After meeting with the owner and Stella, Girard knew that her family was the right fit for Stella.  

Right away, Stella’s laid back and loving personality was apparent. 

Girard initially brought Stella to campus before finals week during the 2025 spring semester.  

“It was serendipity. All of the students loved her, and she had so much fun. I let her loose in the commons and she got pets from all of the students,” Girard said. 

After conversations with CSM administration, Stella received official permission to serve as the campus therapy dog. 

“Intrinsically, she’s very well suited for this job as campus therapy dog. She doesn’t have a concept of personal space, and she likes all of the attention to be on her,” Girard said. 

Stella began accompanying Girard to work over the summer to become familiar with campus and practice being around lots of people throughout the day. Girard and Stella also started taking therapy dog training classes. She then took her therapy dog training exam to become a licensed therapy dog in September. 

“I think that Stella will be a bright spot for many students on campus. Reaching out for help can sometimes come with a negative stigma for students,” Hamik said. “Having a friendly therapy dog in the spaces where students are receiving help, such as meeting with accessibility services, receiving tutoring or attending a success advising appointment can help alleviate some of those nerves that the stigma may bring.” 

The difference between a therapy dog and a service dog: 

Therapy Dogs 

• Trained to provide comfort and affection to people in settings such as hospitals, schools and assisted care facilities.  
• Offer emotional support and companionship. 
• Are allowed in certain facilities by invitation to provide pet therapy. 
• Can be approached and pet when in a public space offering pet therapy. 

Service Dogs 

• Individually trained to perform tasks and assist people with disabilities.  
• Essential for their handler’s independence and safety. 
• Have legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allowing them to accompany their handler in public places. 
• Are typically identifiable by the harness or vest they are wearing. 
• Should not be approached or pet.