The Newest (And Fuzziest) Member of Health & Wellness is Ready to Meet You

Who’s creating smiles everywhere he goes on campus? His name is Henry—and he’s here to do more than just brighten up the place.

Henry, a black lab, is Williston’s new therapy dog. He is a fully trained service dog, and has the distinction of being a “facility” dog. Henry came to Williston thanks to the efforts of Director of Mental Health Counseling Meg Colenback. Colenback pitched the idea of bringing a therapy dog to campus during the 2024-25 academic year, received approval, then trained with Henry this past summer ahead of his debut.

“We’re always thinking about different levels of mental health here,” Colenback said. “When a student is in a high emotional state, Henry will be here. My hope is students who wouldn’t necessarily make a connection with me, will make a connection with Henry.”

Colenback was introduced to Henry through the Puppies Behind Bars program, which has its headquarters in New York City. The program operates out of multiple correctional facilities—Henry’s program was at the Fishkill Correctional Facility—and typically inmates (otherwise known as “trainers”) train dogs to work as service dogs, or to work for fire departments, police departments, and other first responders. Williston is one of the first private schools to receive a dog trained by Puppies Behind Bars for therapy work.

“I got an email from the organization that they were looking to expand into boarding schools, and I said ‘yes,’” Colenback said with a laugh. “Dean of Students David Koritkoski was open to have me present the plan to Peter Holden, Williston’s Chief Financial Officer, and he said it would be great. This is going to make a big difference.”

Henry will live with Colenback when he’s not in the Health & Wellness building. As part of his training, Henry can execute 63 commands with Colenback, including things like giving a high five and saluting. He will also spend time with the Active Minds club, Williston’s student-led group that focuses on mental and physical health and well-being,  on campus as their “mascot” at events.

“I would love for Active Minds to present on how dogs can help with mental health,” Colenback said. “We’re going to convert a room upstairs into a place where he can just hang out with students. They don’t have to talk to me—if they can calm themselves using him or just relieve their stress, that’s OK.”

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