UCSF Fresno therapy dog Jillian boosts campus wellness with visits and smiles

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A therapy dog at UCSF Fresno is making a difference for students and staff, offering comfort and stress relief during busy academic days.

Jillian, a therapy K-9, joined the campus earlier this year through a wellness mini grant. Since then, she has become a familiar and welcomed presence, walking through campus twice a week and appearing during monthly wellness events.

"She has made a huge difference. Absolutely! I mean, she is incredible from the get-go," said Dr. Jose Barral Sanchez, vice dean at UCSF Fresno.

Jillian works alongside her handler, Public Safety Services Supervisor Tom Johnson, who is also her owner and adopted her as a rescue dog.

"She's my baby. She's our family pet," Johnson said.

He described her calm demeanor and natural inclination to interact with people.

"She's very calm and she generally seeks people out and really, really does a good job of making them feel seen," Johnson said.

During her visits, Jillian draws students and staff away from their routines, offering a brief moment of relief and connection.

Barral Sanchez said her presence has been particularly helpful for students facing academic pressures.

"She's just a joy to have around. Our students find that when they're preparing for their exams or their different activities, she helps a lot with stress, you know, allowing them to take their mind off their worries," he said.

Students say the impact is immediate. Aditya Dwivedi, a UCSF SJV PRIME student, said seeing Jillian after an exam brightened his day.

"I just came out of a practice board exam, so first thing and I saw her. It kind of brought a smile to me after that, so it's definitely nice to see her out on campus and always coming around for some pets and belly rubs," Dwivedi said.

Known affectionately by the nickname "Jilly Bean," Jillian has become a campus favorite. For some, Jillian's presence also carries a personal connection.

"She looks a lot like my dog, who I used to call Kushi, which means happiness in my language. It's kind of how she is, kind of gives us happiness every time we run into her," Dwivedi said.

Jillian has American Kennel Club [AKC] Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog certifications at Off Leash K9 Training in Fresno. She is working toward advanced certification. On campus, however, her impact is already clear - bringing moments of calm, comfort and joy to those who meet her.

For news updates, follow Danyelle Burke North on Instagram and TikTok.