One of UNC’s most beloved four-legged friends is clocking out and heading into retirement.
Franklin, a three-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, worked as an assistance dog with UNC Police Officer Ray Rodriguez.
Franklin's main role was to assist campus community members experiencing stress or trauma, as well as assisting with mental, physical and emotional interventions.
“He had a huge, positive impact during his tenure here on campus,” Randy Young of UNC Media Relations said in an email.
Franklin came from paws4people foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training assistance dogs. During his tenure at UNC, Franklin made his presence felt on campus by interacting with community members.
“Franklin and his handler, Officer Ray Rodriguez, were popular campus fixtures at residence halls, campus and community events, libraries or simply spreading smiles as they walked through campus quads and interacted with UNC students and employees,” Young said in the email.
Franklin was one of the first faces some incoming first-year students saw on campus.
Kaylan Privette, a sophomore majoring in political science and public policy, recalls seeing the chocolate lab during new student orientation. Privette said Franklin brought her a sense of relief.
“When I first came to college, I was feeling homesick,” Privette said. “Franklin reminded me of my dog and my home, and that was really comforting.”