The Wildpup program at Northern Michigan University has a beloved presence on campus. The program brings comfort and joy to students passing through Jamrich, especially those who really need a pick-me-up during hard times. Who are the people who have helped these campus-famous pups stick around?
One of its original founders, Assistant Professor for the School of Nursing Casey Hopper, played a key role in establishing the program. It was originally intended to support nursing students during the difficult and lonely times of COVID-19 as morale was startlingly low. With the program’s immediate success and positive impact, the Wildpups quickly became a staple on campus.
The success of the program was too substantial to not share the love of these pups with the rest of Northern. This program has brought love and excitement not only to Northern students, but also to Hopper and her dog, Boris.
“It is just a joy to watch, just the joy and smiles that Wildpups bring,” Hopper said.
She believes that Boris is very in tune with the emotions of those who are around him, so much so that he tends to be drawn to the students who are having a hard time and spends a little extra time with them.
“He needs a job, and he loves attention, so this is the perfect job for him,” Hopper said.
Boris even has his own backpack he gets to wear to school and has his own role in the classroom. Boris is a very helpful aid for students before or after an exam, especially within the nursing department. Hopper cannot even say the word, “work” without an immediate reaction from her pup.
“I have had students come into my office knowing Boris is there and [they]are having a bad day,” Hopper said. “If they need Boris, he comes out from underneath my desk, and he just lays on them like a weighted blanket almost.”
The impact that Boris alone has had on student life is enough to make the process worthwhile.
The Wildpups program started with only five dogs, and they have now expanded into the double digits. Multiple departments now have their own Wildpups, and they are always recruiting and looking to expand.
Like any program, this one has faced its own challenges.
“When we first started this initiative, dogs were not allowed on campus [so] we had to go through policy changes, and we had to overcome COVID barriers,” Hopper said.
Reflecting on these challenges emphasizes the importance of support and community on campus, what can be accomplished and the positive change it can create.
The overwhelming positive response from both students and faculty is what keeps the Wildpups on campus and growing in numbers. A quick reminder from the program to please keep food outside of the events and away from the dogs.
You can find the Wildpups around campus each week – the group can be found on the HUB and is available for event requests.
