Heather Stinson’s dog, Ashby, begins to wiggle with excitement the moment their car turns into the parking lot at Landmark College in Vermont. According to Stinson, Ashby can hardly contain herself when she realizes she’s arrived on campus.
She eagerly waits to hop out and greet the many students and staff members who have become her regular companions. For Ashby, school isn’t just a place to visit — it’s one of her favorite destinations.
Stinson works as an academic advisor at Landmark College, an institution dedicated exclusively to students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism. Twice a week, she brings Ashby along to work as a certified therapy dog.
Over time, the pup has become a beloved presence across campus. Students frequently stop by Stinson’s office not only for academic guidance but also for a chance to relax with Ashby after a stressful day.
Ashby plays a particularly meaningful role during high-pressure moments. Around exam periods, she visits classrooms to offer quiet comfort. She has an uncanny ability to sense which students are struggling with test anxiety.
When she notices someone feeling overwhelmed, she’ll gently rest her head in their lap, offering calm reassurance without needing a single word. Her presence alone often helps students regulate their nerves and refocus.
Beyond individual visits, Ashby also helps foster social connections. At least once a week, students are invited to join organized hikes with her along the scenic trails surrounding the campus.
These outings provide a relaxed, informal way for students to build friendships. As Stinson explains, it’s much easier to strike up a conversation about something adorable Ashby is doing than to approach someone new without a starting point. In that way, Ashby serves as both an emotional support and a social bridge.
Last November, the pup who spends so much time uplifting others became the center of attention herself when she turned 5 years old. Stinson anticipated that some students would want to celebrate, but she was stunned when approximately 75 students packed into a campus room for Ashby’s birthday party.
The turnout far exceeded her expectations, reflecting just how deeply the community cherishes the therapy dog.
A video shared to Ashby’s Instagram page captured the sweet scene of students singing to her as she stood dressed for the occasion. She wore a sparkly tutu, a cupcake-themed onesie, a beaded collar and a pink crown. The festive outfit marked a shift for Stinson, who once insisted she would never dress her dog in clothing.
That changed after Ashby’s first harsh Vermont winter. Having been rescued from the streets of Mississippi by Great Dog Rescue New England before Stinson adopted her, Ashby wasn’t prepared for the frigid temperatures and began shivering. A simple coat solved the problem — and opened the door to a more colorful wardrobe.
Stinson later realized that dressing Ashby had an unexpected benefit. Because Ashby is a pit bull, some people initially felt hesitant around her.
When she wears bright, playful outfits, however, people notice her clothing first, which softens perceptions and invites interaction. The clothing helps Ashby approach others freely, without fear shaping the encounter.
On campus, Ashby’s vibrant attire has sparked thoughtful conversations about stigma and being judged before truly being known. For many students at Landmark College, those discussions resonate personally.
Through her warmth, intuition and even her wardrobe, Ashby continues to create a space where acceptance comes naturally and everyone feels a little more understood.
