On March 5, swishing brushstrokes and tapping paws echoed against the floor of Oscar Ritchie Hall as the School of Multidisciplinary Social Sciences and Humanities hosted a Bob Ross Paint Night. 

Students across campus were invited to relax and decompress with therapy dogs and a follow along Bob Ross video.

With midterms taking place, it’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed by coursework. Activities like Bob Ross Paint Night hope to help students take a step back and relax from stressful exams before spring break.

The dog’s handlers stood out in the hallway, happily greeting everyone who walked past. Students and professors alike gravitated towards the friendly dogs, while their handlers excitedly shared details about their furry companions.

Working with Summa Health in Akron, Casi, a 10-year-old Newfoundland, was one of the many therapy dogs invited to help students decompress. At just 12 weeks old, Casi was trained as a service dog for six months. Her trainer, Don Sendelbach, was thrilled to introduce her to the painters.

According to Sendelbach, she loves car rides, playing in the water, running through the woods and of course, being petted. 

“She’s been doing this for nine years after six months of just socializing with other dogs and people,” he said.

Sendelbach and Casi have worked together since his retirement; they visit local schools and hospitals together to bring joy to others.

“Right now, we do this twice a month at local schools and go to the hospital about once a week,” he said.

After petting the dogs, students could then grab a canvas and get to painting. 

They watched carefully as the video showed a woodland scene with fall foliage and streams. Each student stayed focused on their masterpiece, creating strikingly accurate landscapes similar to those in the video demonstration.

It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of school, but with the help of Bob Ross and dogs like Casi, it’s just as simple to clear the mind. 

Luke Nedved is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].