Harris, therapy dog, joins YHC staff
Young Harris, GA (10/09/2025) — Young Harris College has added a new four-legged member to its staff: a therapy dog named Harris, a 20-week-old mixed breed Dubbed Young Harris, since he his only 20 weeks old and his name is actually Harris, the mix of poodle, pointer, and German Shorthaired Pointer is officially part of the Young Harris College Police Department, where Chief Robbie Rich and Officer Tony Petty are training him.
"I got the idea at a training the Cobb County Police Department hosted," Rich said. "They had a Bernadoodle that served as a peer support therapy dog for the department. I thought that would be a great idea for our campus."
The concept of therapy dogs - dogs used to provide emotional support, comfort, and healing for people- has been around since World War II, where dogs were taken into medical facilities to visit wounded soldiers.
Rich went to Tails of Hope, an organization south of Atlanta that trains AKC-certified therapy dogs, to find a dog for YHC. When he was introduced to the puppies at the center, an employee pointed to one and said, "His name is Harris."
"That clinched the deal, I had to get him," Rich said, smiling.
A recent study by the National Institutes of Health found that therapy dogs can make a measurable difference for college students in high-stress situations. YHC is the latest institution of higher learning to bring a therapy dog onto campus.
While not fully certified yet, Harris is training to become a full-service therapy animal.
"Harris will be a great resource; he'll be able to detect high-stress situations and anxiety and help calm the situation down," Rich said. "Also, we look at it as great outreach by the police department for our students. We've had students tell us already that Harris has helped them, and he has regular visitors every day."
Students, as well as faculty and staff, are welcome to stop by the police department any time to visit Harris and release some stress. Rich also plans to bring Harris to activities and events around campus.
"He's started his training, but he's already making connections on campus," Rich said. "Harris is going to be a great resource for the College."
Vice President of Student Development Dr. Karen Pruett (and a dog owner herself) loved the idea.
"It's just one other way we can offer something to help our young Mountain Lions, not to mention YHC faculty and staff," Pruett said. "Spending a few minutes with Harris helps you reset and forget a little of the stress and challenges of the day, even if just for a few minutes."
Next time you're on the YHC campus, keep your eyes peeled for Harris. He'll love to welcome you and hear about your day.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master's degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 34 majors and 23 minors, ranging from biology or outdoor studies to business administration or kinesiology. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs.
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