Southern University police welcomes new emotional support Husky

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Southern University Police Department announced a new addition to the force.

The department shared that a trained husky named Skye is working as an emotional support dog to assist during times of stress, anxiety, or grief.

Skye’s handler, Lt. Gregory Rogers, said the program was started by SUPD Chief Joycelyn Johnson to support the students.

“Her sole purpose is to help with the faculty, students and anyone else in need of emotional support,” said Rogers. “She’s (Johnson) been thinking about it for a while, mainly catering to the students — whether it’s finals or traumatic events. It’s something to bring a closer bond between law enforcement and the students, while also giving students something motivational.”

The initiative reflects a need for accessible mental health support at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A 2023 report shows that 54% of HBCU students with mild to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression received no mental health treatment in the past year.

Skye accompanies the department’s crisis interventionist counselor, Donna Burke. The officer offers immediate support to students experiencing mental or emotional crises.

“Somebody might say, ‘We have someone acting abnormally’ or ‘This person is in a manic state,’” Burke said. “If I get called out, I’ll ask an officer if they would be willing to bring Skye because she may be the calming point.

Skye underwent basic emotional support animal training and is certified for deployment in public spaces. She debuted at a Homecoming pep rally in 2024.

“That was her first time around a big crowd,” Rogers said. “She handled it like a champ and loved all the attention.” 

Campus officials shared that Skye will make regular appearances around campus.

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