Therapy Dogs Help Utah Valley University Students After Tragedy

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Therapy Dogs Bring Comfort to Grieving Utah Campus

When Mike Carlson, CEO of Golden Healers, faced the prospect of lifesaving open-heart surgery but couldn’t afford it, the Utah community came to his aid. In just a matter of days, friends, neighbors, and supporters raised $45,000 to cover the procedure. Carlson underwent surgery on September 8, still recovering when devastating news struck Utah Valley University: political commentator Charlie Kirk was assassinated in front of thousands.

The tragedy left the Orem campus shaken. For Carlson, who had just experienced the healing power of community, the moment carried a clear calling. “I knew at that moment that I needed to get better, get out of the hospital right away so that I could come down here and do our job that we do, which is to bring the therapy dog work to the community,” he said.

Just over a week later, Carlson and his Golden Healers team were back in action. Together with eight friendly therapy dogs, they hosted four campus sessions between Wednesday and Friday, offering comfort to grieving and anxious students. Anyone could stop, sit, cuddle, or simply stroke one of the dogs, and many found unexpected relief in the process.

Carlson credits the dogs for inspiring his quick return. “They’re just a healing power and influence in my life, and I know they can do that for others,” he explained. Therapy dogs are proven to reduce stress, increase oxytocin levels, and bring comfort when words fall short. “They provide unconditional love and allow people to open up when they might not feel they can with another human.”

The sessions drew steady groups of 30 to 50 students at a time. Sophomore Elle Preston shared how the experience touched her personally: “One of the dogs actually looks like one of my old dogs, so it was almost a little bit of closure.” Junior Natasha Lowe added, “I love dogs so they’re very therapeutic, so it was just calming to come and pet a dog in between classes.”

For a campus heavy with grief, where many wore green heart stickers in remembrance, the presence of wagging tails and soft fur shifted the atmosphere. Laughter, smiles, and quiet moments of peace replaced some of the sorrow, even if only for a while.

Carlson hopes the visits will help students find their footing again as they balance grief with the demands of school. He also expressed deep gratitude for the community that saved his life. “Because of that, I was able to do this today. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to. I think the community can give themselves a pat on the back for being able to provide this opportunity.”

For students at UVU, the dogs were more than visitors—they were healers, helping remind everyone that even in the darkest moments, love and comfort can still be found.