Stanford University has plenty of brilliant students, but one of the most popular members of its neuroscience program happens to have four paws and a golden coat.
Barkley, a Golden Retriever service dog, attends classes alongside his owner, Summer, who is working toward a PhD at Stanford.
Although Barkley is not technically enrolled, he has become a familiar face around campus and is believed to be the first service dog to regularly attend the university’s neuroscience program.
Barkley is a medical and cardiac alert service dog, meaning his most important job is keeping a close eye on Summer’s health.
He is trained to recognize signs that something may be wrong and alert her when necessary.
According to Summer, Barkley’s instincts are so sharp that he once alerted another person who was about to experience a medical episode.
But his role in Summer’s life goes far beyond medical assistance.
Summer moved to the United States from Singapore and said being far away from family can sometimes feel lonely and isolating.
Barkley has helped give her companionship and emotional support while she navigates graduate school and life in a new country.
Like many service dogs, Barkley underwent extensive training before taking on his role.
Medical service dogs can spend years learning how to recognize subtle physical changes and respond appropriately when their handlers need help.
Summer says Barkley also knows the difference between work time and playtime.
Around campus, he can be friendly and playful, but once his service vest goes on, he understands that it is time to focus.
That combination has made him a bit of a campus celebrity.
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People online were just as taken with Barkley after hearing his story.
“That’s a furry angel,” one viewer wrote.
Another praised the emotional bond between Barkley and Summer, while others commented on the loving way he looks at his owner.
Barkley may never earn an actual neuroscience degree, but he has already mastered something much more important: taking care of the person who depends on him.
And judging by the attention he gets around Stanford, he may also be the most popular “student” in the program.