Give Chance a Chance

By Isaiah Joseph | Published September 20, 2022

The giggles and laughter echoed through the lobby when I entered the Miron Student Center (MSC) building.

Students were lined up and peeked through the windows as they were eager to see what all the commotion was about and that’s when I heard a bark. 

The month of September represents National Suicide Prevention and Awareness.

When we talk about Suicide Prevention and Awareness it brings up the conversations about how and what we can do to bring attention to individuals who decide to commit suicide due to mental illness and depression.

Throughout the month Kean University has been hosting a variety of events for students to participate in. But out of all the events, one stood out above them all. Pet therapy. 

Inside the MSC building, Kean’s Department of Counseling, Disability, Alcohol, and other Drugs hosted the pet therapy session for Kean University’s students.

Vidal Annan is a licensed clinical psychologist in New Jersey and New York who specializes in helping people address clinical concerns such as moods, anxiety, and other forms of mental illness.

Annan explains that during the month this event specifically is something students enjoy interacting with.

“This is one of the resources that students enjoy to destress,” Annan said.

When I entered the room I was met with laughter,  joyful smiles, and a beautiful golden retriever sitting calmly with his tongue out.

Melanie Savulich and her five-year-old golden retriever Chance are volunteers from Creature Comfort. 

Creature Comfort Pet Therapy differs from other organizations providing similar services in that they embrace a hands-on approach with their therapy teams and the places they visit. They work with each facility to help structure the visit to make it as effective and productive as possible.

Savulich and Chance have been a part of the group since July as they visit hospitals, schools, and senior homes to provide comfort and joy to the people there.

Savulich has trained Chance to become a therapy dog because how he likes to socialize with humans and other dogs.

The first year of Chance’s basic training involves him learning how to be obedient, calm, and controlled in social settings with people and other pets.

Chance is drawn to people and is the dog that is strictly for comfort, and love, and reacts to emotional responses from people. 

Savulich encourages introducing more people to pet therapy where having a four-legged companion can help people heal through many harsh moments in their lives.

Chance’s favorite food is peanut butter, his favorite pastime hobbies are swimming and walking and his favorite trick is to retrieve a ball.

“Most rewarding thing is coming to see and interacting with the students here as they get to know Chance and his story on why we do what we do,” Savulich said.

---