Dog and detective duo supports students in times of need  

With his cloudlike fur and gentle eyes, Chase looks more like a teddy bear than a trained professional. This 5-year-old Great Pyrenees mix is the newest member of Michigan State University’s comfort canine team, and he is already making an impact across campus.

Working alongside MSU Police and Public Safety Detective Sydnee Zienta, who serves as a police liaison within the Care and Intervention Team within the Office of Student Support and Accountability, Chase supports Spartans through some tough moments. Together, they provide comfort and compassion to students, faculty and staff navigating challenges such as medical leaves, conduct processes or personal distress.

From rescue to comfort canine

Chase’s calm nature was recognized long before his arrival at MSU. Originally a rescue from Florida, he was chosen for his gentle temperament and began training through Canines for Change, a Dimondale-based organization known for preparing therapy and facility dogs for schools and police departments across Michigan.

Canines for Change focuses on training dogs that can support emotional regulation, academic engagement, social connection and staff well-being. Each facility dog is trained to work in professional environments and respond calmly and intuitively to the emotions of those around them. Depending on their placement, dogs may assist with behavior intervention, trauma support, community outreach and classroom engagement.

“Great Pyrenees’s in general are very calm and docile,” says Zienta. “He was taken out of the shelter because of his very calm demeanor.”

Over several months, Chase and Zienta trained together weekly, completing job site visits and a final facility dog certification test, which Chase passed with “flying colors.” Their training fostered trust and communication, ensuring Chase could adapt to a variety of situations — from easing anxiety in a meeting to comforting students during difficult conversations. Now fully certified as a comfort K-9, Chase is ready to bring reassurance and support wherever he’s needed on campus.

Making an impact on campus

Chase is one of two comfort canines serving with DPPS, alongside Beau, who is handled by Lieutenant Kim Parviainen. While Beau typically attends large-scale campus events, Chase excels in intimate environments like one-on-one meetings through the Care and Intervention team.

Since beginning his work at MSU, Chase has made over 200 contacts with community members in just a month and a half. Zienta says his presence alone often makes a noticeable difference.

“We’ve seen a tremendous turnaround,” she says. “He helps relieve stress, not just for students, but for faculty, staff and even our own team.”

Beyond his professional role, Chase is known for his affectionate and humorous personality, earning him quite the reputation.

“He likes to ‘force’ people into being his friend,” says Zienta. “If you stop petting him, he’ll give you his paw, like, ‘Hey, don’t stop.’ His favorite things are pets and belly rubs.”

One of Chase’s most impactful moments came when a student struggled with whether to seek counseling. His quiet companionship and comforting energy helped guide her toward taking that next step.

“A student was deciding whether to go to Counseling and Psychiatric Services,” says Zienta. “With Chase’s help, she decided to go. We walked her there, stayed as she filled out her paperwork, and she later requested to see Chase a few more times. It left a lasting impression on her — and on us.”

Comfort canines bring a broad value to a college campus. Their ability to calm, connect and uplift can make a meaningful difference in moments of stress or uncertainty.

“We see a lot of trauma and tragedies in the world,” says Zienta. “Comfort canines can help with that. Even in workspaces, they help alleviate daily pressures and stressors just by being there.”

Where to find Chase

Students, faculty and staff can request Chase through the Care and Intervention Team on the Student Services website or simply stop by to say hello at the Office of Student Support and Accountability. He’s typically in the Student Services building Monday through Thursday.

“He’s always in Student Services, so if people need to just come by and walk through, he’s always around,” says Zienta. “We want to make sure that everyone on campus knows he’s available, who he is and that we’re here for those tough days.”

As Chase continues to meet more members of the Spartan community, the Care and Intervention Team and DPPS hope to grow the comfort canine program to serve even more people across campus.

“We want people to feel comfortable asking for Chase and Beau,” says Zienta. “They’re a great resource, and we want them to be utilized as much as possible.”

A ‘paw-sitive’ presence

With his gentle spirit, goofy charm and signature paw-tap for extra pets, Chase has quickly become a beloved member of the Spartan community.

“He’s excited to start meeting more of the Spartan community,” says Zienta. “We just want everyone to know that he’s ready and available.”

So, whether you’re facing a stressful day, a tough decision or just need a moment of peace, Chase is here to remind Spartans that healing sometimes comes on four paws.