Galen College Adds Support Dogs for Louisville Students
Students in Louisville can interact with two Golden Retrievers during exams to help manage stress.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Dogs
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Galen College of Nursing in Louisville has introduced two English Cream Golden Retrievers, Henry and Maisy, to support students during high-stress exam periods. The dogs roam the campus and interact with students as a wellness initiative.
Why it matters
The program aims to mitigate student stress levels during rigorous nursing exams and simulation labs. This initiative also serves as a personal tribute to the care the owner's daughter received during a three-year cancer treatment at Kosair Hospital.
Two English Cream Golden Retrievers now serve as campus support dogs at the Louisville facility. They function as a tribute to the three years of medical treatment the owner's daughter underwent at Kosair Hospital.
The players
Henry and Maisy
The two English Cream Golden Retrievers employed as campus support animals.
Jim Hack
The senior facilities manager at Galen College of Nursing who owns and handles the dogs.
Galen College of Nursing
A nursing school based in Louisville that incorporates pet therapy into its student support services.
The details
The dogs are owned and managed by the college's senior facilities manager, Jim Hack, and even carry official campus ID badges. During demanding exam weeks and simulation labs, students are given scheduled opportunities to interact with and pet the animals to help regulate their emotional state.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: Official campus recognition of the program.
The Home Front
This program reflects a broader trend of institutions integrating pet-assisted therapy into wellness services to manage high-stress academic environments. It mirrors common efforts to reduce burnout in demanding professional and educational training paths.
Students and families should check their school's student life office to see if similar emotional support or therapy animal programs are available for exam stress. If your household is considering pet therapy, verify the specific training requirements for campus or clinical environments.
The takeaway
Using pets to manage academic stress can provide a necessary emotional buffer during high-stakes training. Families with students in demanding programs should prioritize identifying local wellness resources, such as campus counseling or pet therapy events, to help maintain balance during testing weeks.
Further reading
Learn more about local pet wellness initiatives by visiting the Dogs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WENG 98.1FM, 107.5 FM & 1530 AM.
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