Drop in on a philosophy class at the University, and you may find a border collie or two curled up in the lecture hall. Breccan and Thistle, the beloved dogs of philosophy professors Elizabeth Barnes and Ross Cameron, act as a service dog and service-dog-in-training, respectively. While the dogs’ primary focus is to aid the faculty couple, their impact spreads to the student body as well. The canine companions provide comfort and emotional support to their human peers, helping to make the classroom feel a little more like home.
Breccan started working as a service dog with Barnes and Cameron when they adopted him in 2017. Over the past year, the couple has been transitioning Breccan into retirement and training Thistle to be a service dog. For now, Breccan continues to act as a service dog if needed and attends classes with Cameron while Thistle accompanies Barnes. Barnes expressed her gratitude for the positive influence the border collies have on the classroom.
“I do love the impact that it has on my [class],” Barnes said. “That is one of my favorite things about having an animal that works with me. I think it creates a more relaxed atmosphere.”
Although he is retiring as a service dog, Breccan maintains a stellar attendance record. The couple said the elder dog especially gets a kick out of participating in class. He often gets up in the middle of Cameron’s lectures, soaking up the attention of students and enjoying applause for group presentations that he believes is meant for him.
“[Breccan] loves [class]. He absolutely feeds off it,” Barnes said. “I was, in a way, sad that he needed to retire, but … he just loves getting to know the students, and he loves being seen, and he loves being made a fuss of.”
In fact, Cameron said his students have grown so accustomed to Breccan that his absence would cause a stir. Cameron said he has even noticed a few students from the next professor’s class arrive early just to greet Breccan. Whether he sees his own students cuddling with Breccan in office hours or other students approaching Breccan, Ross said he appreciates those giving the border collie their love.
“Students always love seeing Breccan there. I wouldn't say that was what initiated [us bringing him here], but I think at this point, if we didn't show up with the dogs, they'd be disappointed,” Cameron said.
Meanwhile, 18-month-old Thistle is just starting her journey as a service dog. Still in her “puppy phase,” she is working on a few key goals this semester — namely, keeping still, ignoring distractions and concentrating until the end of the class — not too far off from the responsibilities of her human peers.
But once she is off the clock, Thistle freely welcomes affection from students, and her excitement has a ripple effect on the class. Third-year College student Anika Agarwal said Thistle’s mere presence motivates her during Barnes’ 8 a.m. PHIL 2820, “Philosophy of Health and Health Care” class. She said the soothing, non-judgemental support from a pet is enough to boost students’ moods.
“[When] we’re going through our day-to-day life, it's nice to see something that is just happy being there and happy to love you,” Agarwal said. “It makes me more excited to go to class.”
Agarwal said Thistle and Breccan’s presence in the classroom is a testament to the close relationships between University students and professors. Particularly in college, where students may feel distanced from their professors in large lectures, she said seeing her professors share parts of their personal life with the class makes her feel more connected to them.
“Professors feel more real because they are doing these things, like bringing dogs to class — it makes them feel more approachable,” Agarwal said.
Cameron also explained how the dogs bring him and Barnes closer to their students. Every year, when he and Barnes inform their classes about the dogs ahead of time, he said students always give Breccan and Thistle a warm welcome. Ross said the attitude of these students speaks to the good nature of the University community.
“It's really fantastic that U.Va. has the kind of atmosphere where this can be a thing. Everyone takes such joy from the dogs being around,” Cameron said. “[U.Va.] has that general welcoming, friendly feel.”
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