UNION COUNTY, Pa. — Between classes, homesickness, and overall stress, college can be an overwhelming experience. That's where Digger comes in, or 'Deputy Diggs' as he's affectionately known around Bucknell University's Public Safety Department.
He is the department's new therapy dog.
"He will be interacting with students as they go about their day. Staff can request him. He's going to be there for difficult times for students on campus to help when they need to speak with us about these difficult situations," said Chief Anthony Morgan, Bucknell University Public Safety.
Digger is a one-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog. He just graduated from an intense therapy dog training program. He even has the cap and gown to prove it!
"We've been working since last December walking on campus. His owner, Kelly, would bring him, and we'd walk a couple of hours at night. We got him all ready, and when he turned one year old, he could do the test," said Bonnie Rake, Bucknell University Community Service Officer.
Bonnie Rake is a Community Service Officer at Bucknell, and she is Digger's handler.
"He knows when he's coming to the college. I tell him we're going to see the students. He gets really excited. He gets excited about coming to the college," said Rake.
Chief Anthony Morgan calls Digger a great addition to the department, "Anything that we can do to build a relationship, try to bring some joy to their day, we want to be part of that student success process as well, and this is just one of the ways we're able to do that."
Now that he's graduated from his therapy dog program, Digger will be busy spending time with students on campus.