Paws for support: Support dog helps SUPD respond to students in crisis

As students settle into the new semester, many are also learning about a unique form of support on campus. Skye, a husky, is now serving as a certified emotional support dog trained to assist during times of stress, anxiety or grief.

"Her sole purpose is to help with the faculty, students and anyone else in need of emotional support," said Lt. Gregory Rogers of the Southern University Police Department.

Rogers, who serves as Skye’s primary handler, said the initiative was spearheaded by Chief Joycelyn Johnson as a new way to support students' emotional needs.

"She’s (Johnson) been thinking about it for a while, mainly catering to the students — whether it’s finals or traumatic events," Rogers said. "It’s something to bring a closer bond between law enforcement and the students, while also giving students something motivational."

The initiative reflects a broader need for accessible mental health support at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. A 2023 report from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Healthy Minds Network found that 54 percent of HBCU students with moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety received no mental health treatment in the past year. Many students also cited financial stress and lack of resources as barriers to care.

Skye sometimes accompanies Donna Burke, SUPD’s crisis interventionist counselor. In this role, Burke helps to provide immediate support for students experiencing mental or emotional crises and connects them with campus resources, such as the University Counseling Center.

“Somebody might say, ‘We have someone acting abnormal’ or ‘This person is in a manic state,’” Burks said. “If I get called out, I’ll ask an officer if they would be willing to bring Skye because she may be the calming point.

Skye has undergone basic emotional support animal training and is certified for deployment in public spaces. Rogers said that she may receive further certifications as her involvement on campus continues to grow.

The response to Skye has been overwhelmingly positive.

"So far, they love her," Rogers said. "They see her — nice, fluffy husky — and just with the fact of her fluffiness, they are able to hug her and establish contact with her."

He added that students are quickly embracing the idea of a support animal in law enforcement.

Skye made her debut in front of a large crowd at the university’s Homecoming pep rally in 2024 — and didn’t miss a beat.

"That was her first time around a big crowd," Rogers said. "She handled it like a champ and loved all the attention." 

Skye is expected to continue making regular appearances across campus. Students in crisis can request a visit from Skye by calling the Southern University Police Department at 225-771-2770.