What is the Bulldawg Support Network?

The Bulldawg Support Network (BSN) is a network of trained peer volunteers at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) composed of veterinary students, graduate students, staff, faculty, and administrators. We are not counselors, but we are empathetic listeners ready to talk about the challenges you are facing with school, work, or life.

Our mission is to promote support, fellowship, and service between members of the CVM community through one-on-one peer conversations, facilitated open group discussions, and educational seminars.

Peer support groups

Support groups are facilitated by BSN peer volunteers who seek to provide a compassionate and confidential environment where people can openly share their experiences. Through peer-led discussion, we aim to foster a foundation for personal growth, resilience, and fellowship. Meetings are confidential and no sign-up is required.

Peer support groups are formed based on community input and needs. If you would like BSN to facilitate a support group for your peer group (e.g., graduate student, faculty, staff), please email [email protected]

Peer-to-peer matching

Email BSN ([email protected]) to be matched with a BSN peer volunteer within 24-48 hours. You can also contact a peer volunteer directly from our contact list.

We understand that everyone has unique needs and preferences when it comes to peer support. Please let us know your preferences so that we can match you with a peer supporter who best meets your needs.

• Preferences (e.g., peer group, academic stress, life transitions, recovery, family/relationship concerns, grief/loss, LGBTQIA+, etc.)
• How you would prefer support (e.g., in-person meeting, email, phone call, etc.)

Educational seminars

Each semester, BSN hosts a seminar on topics related to mental health and wellbeing. Check out “Upcoming Events” for seminar dates and details.

Upcoming events

• Pictures with Santa Paws, featuring Dr. Joe Bartges
  • Friday December 5th from 5-6:30 pm in the VTH Room 1017 (next to the VEC, concurrent with the Holiday Bazaar)
  • BSN invites all CVM community members or their pets to take photos with our own Santa, Dr. Joe Bartges! Santa will be accompanied by a festive backdrop and props.
  • Pets must be well-behaved and leashed/contained (i.e., in a carrier) at all times during the event
  • There is no fee, but we will be accepting donations to help fund future Bulldawg Support Network initiatives
• UpDawgs Yoga
  • The Office of Academic Affairs and BSN sponsor a weekly yoga session hosted by certified instructor and DVM/PhD student, Corinna Hazelrig! All students, staff, and faculty of all yoga experiences are welcome to join. Sessions rotate time and locations on the Classic Campus and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital to accommodate everyone.
  • For more information and to join the UpDawg listserv, contact [email protected]

Previous events:

• Pottery Workshop
  • BSN is sponsoring a pottery workshop at Good Dirt Clay Studio. Learn the basics of throwing a bowl on a pottery wheel with patient teachers and get to know other CVM community members.
• Bulldawg Support Network Training Seminar
  • CVM counselors Liz Cheely, LCSW and Stevie Stigler, LPC will discuss how to recognize distress and provide peer support as a BSN volunteer. This seminar is required to become a BSN volunteer, but is open to any CVM community member that wants to learn more about BSN and providing peer support.
• National Suicide Prevention Week 
  • The SAVMA CVM Wellness Committee and BSN are partnering to inform and engage the CVM community about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide.
  • Suicide Prevention Seminar, presented by Bethany Hight, the Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Well-Being Coordinator for Fontaine Center.
• Edible Literacy seminar
  • The SAVMA CVM Wellness Committee and BSN are hosting UHC nutritionist, Anthony Chiu, who will discuss the science behind healthy eating and how food fuels our bodies with various flavorful, nutritional samples for taste-testing.
• Counselors Craft Corner
  • Drop by to unwind with some provided crafts and interact with other peers! It’s a great way to provide peer support in a casual, relaxed environment.
• Pictures with Santa Paws, featuring Dr. Joe Bartges
  • BSN invites all CVM community members or their pets to take photos with our own Santa, Dr. Joe Bartges! Santa will be accompanied by a festive backdrop, props, and professional photography provided by Class of 2027 President, Lulu Goodyear!

How do I volunteer?

If you would like to be a BSN peer volunteer, please attend the Bulldawg Support Network Training seminar. If you cannot make the Bulldawg Support Network Training seminar or have any questions, please email [email protected].

I need more support

For veterinary students, please refer to Health and Wellness.

For all CVM community members, please refer to Well-Being Resources.