Where Paws Meet Wellness

Two dogs lying on green grass in front of a brick wall, each holding a sign that reads “I love NOCE!” with a small heart icon on the front sign.

Dogs have a special way of helping people connect, recharge, and feel welcome. At NOCE, canine-supported activities are one of the ways we create opportunities for students to take a break, connect with others, and experience a supportive campus community.

From our Puppies for PAWSitivity events to therapy dog Fanta in the Learning Center, to Facility dog Lindon in the ARISE Labs, and to the future service dogs from Canine Companions being raised by NOCE’s faculty, there are several ways you may meet a four-legged member of the NOCE community.

Canine Program Supporting Wellness at NOCE

Meet the dogs helping NOCE build connections, reduce stress, and create welcoming spaces for students.

Meet our Dogs
A woman in a red colorful shirt and glasses kneels on the pavement with two golden labrador retrievers wearing harnesses.
A group of people with several service dogs pose outdoors in front of a large inflatable dog, with some handlers kneeling and others standing.
People gather outside under blue Cypress College tents

Puppies for PAWSitivity

Take a break. Meet a dog. Leave a little lighter.

Puppies for PAWSitivity brings therapy dogs, facility dogs, future service dogs, and their handlers to NOCE Centers to give students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to connect and recharge before finals.

Stop by to meet the dogs, spend a few minutes relaxing, take a Pawsitive affirmation card, enjoy a coloring activity, or take a photo with Indy, Canine Companions’ larger-than-life inflatable dog. Whether you stay for five minutes or a little longer, everyone is welcome.

Next Puppies for PAWSitivity Events:

Check back soon for our next Puppies for PAWSitivity events!

a photo of three labrador retrievers, two are golden/blonde and on dog is black.
People gathered outdoors on a sunny brick walkway, with one person holding a leash attached to a golden lab therapy dog, and others standing nearby, petting the dog.
A golden Labrador retriever in training to be a service dog approaches a student sitting on the floor.
A person wearing a light blue shirt pets a black service dog wearing a yellow harness near a metal gate.
A large inflatable dog mascot wearing a blue collar stands on a lawn in front of a building, while six people pose for a photo, with trees and a blue sky in the background.
Outdoor event under NOCE blue tents, with people gathered around dogs resting on mats, on leashes and other supplies on tables.

Connection Comes in Many Forms

Two golden labrador retriever dogs wearing blue harnesses stand on a paved patio, facing each other in bright daylight, one with its head lowered as if sniffing.

Wellness isn’t just about getting help when something is wrong. It is also about connection, belonging, taking time to recharge, and knowing that you are part of a community.

Whether you spend a few minutes with a dog at Puppies for PAWSitivity, say hello to Fanta while visiting the Learning Center, meet Lindon through ARISE, or encounter a future service dog learning its way around campus, NOCE’s canine programs offer another way to connect with our community.

We hope you’ll stop by and say hello.