For many students, the transition to university is exciting. But for others—especially those who travel thousands of miles to study at UBC Okanagan—it can also feel overwhelming and isolating.

When international student Karen first researched UBC Okanagan from her home 4,000 miles away, she already knew what she would miss most: her dog. But she discovered B.A.R.K. (Building Academic Retention through K9s)—and immediately felt a spark of hope.

Thanks to donor support—including the many gifts made each year during Giving Day—B.A.R.K. brings certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers to campus twice a week. What might look like a room full of wagging tails is, in fact, a research-informed mental health intervention. Students experiencing stress, loneliness, or homesickness gain a safe, affirming space to pause, breathe and feel grounded.

For Karen, B.A.R.K. became far more than a study break. During a year marked by exhaustion and near-burnout, those weekly sessions were what kept her going.

“Every Wednesday and Friday, I made my way to a B.A.R.K. session,” she recalls. “Being surrounded by all those people and dogs really helped me pull through that year.”

She soon rearranged her work schedule so she would never miss a session. Eventually, she became a volunteer—greeting newcomers, helping run check-ins, and finding joy in watching other students experience the same relief she once needed so deeply.

“Being involved with B.A.R.K. made me more confident, improved my public speaking abilities, and showed me I can make a difference,” she says.

Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, founder and director of B.A.R.K., has spent more than a decade documenting this impact. His research confirms that interacting with therapy dogs reduces stress, fosters social connection, and gives students a meaningful sense of belonging. The program has also extended beyond campus helping school children, RCMP and community members—all key outcomes that Giving Day donors help fuel each year.

As Dr. Binfet notes from the stories students share with him, “I often hear things like, ‘One reason I came to UBC Okanagan was because of the dog program,’ and even, ‘I didn’t drop out of university because of the dog program.’”

What donors make possible is not simply access to dogs—it is access to community. Students attending B.A.R.K. sessions choose how they participate: some sit quietly and decompress; others chat with handlers about their studies, career paths, or life challenges. Many share that a particular dog reminds them of one they loved and lost, helping them feel at home again on campus.

“Supporting B.A.R.K. means bringing a few moments to someone’s life where they might feel a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. That help is crucial,” says Karen. “I can’t even imagine a university life without B.A.R.K.—it became my family.”

Giving Day donors help ensure that students—no matter how far from home—can find connection, comfort, and confidence at UBC Okanagan. Their generosity fuels training for handlers, supports program logistics, and sustains a community that helps thousands of students feel seen, supported, and able to continue their studies with renewed strength.

As Dr. Binfet describes it, “I see the program as my kind act to the campus community.”

Through Giving Day, donors become part of that kindness too.