Lansing Sun

A new sound has filled the air at the Michigan State women's rowing team practice on the Grand River. It is not the sound of a boat motor or oars splashing in the water; it is barking.

Head coach Stacey Rippetoe declared practice as a dog-friendly zone, meaning there is always at least one dog present. Sometimes, there can be as many as four. Rippetoe's shepherd mix Quincy and lab mix Nova are regular visitors. Assistant coach Kayla Brock's lab mix Kooper is also frequently at practice.

The dogs provide support, and their visits have become integral to the team's routine.

"The dog's main job is to provide and spread joy to the athletes," said Assistant Coach Nicole Marek. "There are many benefits to having dogs and animals around."

Animals have a powerful ability to distract humans from current stresses.

"Practice can sometimes have a bad vibe because people are upset and people get negative, but the dogs are always there and they are always having fun even if we are having a team meeting," said senior coxswain Sophia Stauffer.

The dogs remain active throughout practice. Marek's American lab Charlie likes to explore the area and rides in the coaches' boat.

"During practice, Charlie will sit with me while Cooper and Quincy walk around the launches," Marek said.

Occasionally, Michigan State Women's Soccer assistant Megan Link brings her Shiba Inu, Jax, to join in on the fun. Even though the water is cold, the dogs often jump in for a swim in the Grand River.

"One of the first days we came outside, there was a green film on the water, and the dogs thought it was grass," said Marek. "Jax jumped in followed by Charlie and Quincy and we were like, 'what is happening?'"

Each dog impacts the team differently. Some are more loving, while others energize the team on the water.

"If I need a fun dog, it's Charlie. If I need a calmer dog, then I would go with Cooper. If I need companionship, then it's Quincy because he is always climbing on us and giving hugs. It just depends on the day," said Stauffer.

Charlie, Quincy, Cooper, and Nova help rowers balance their mental health while competing at collegiate levels. Whether performing tricks or running energetically ("zoomies"), these dogs improve everyone's day.

"When they are running in circles or playing together everyone laughs and it is a good distraction from anything bad happening whether it is at practice, school, or our personal lives," said Stauffer. "I almost have better time management because I want to get to practice early to pet the dogs."

The dogs foster camaraderie among team members and between rowers and coaching staff.

"The coaches are always with their dogs so when I pet a dog I usually talk with them about practice and other things," said senior rower Avery Rugg. "It helps them get to know us as people better because we talk about our days and plans."

These conversations create new bonds between coaches and rowers.

"Having candid conversations instead of always talking about our sport is hugely important for bonding with our coaches," said Stauffer.

The dogs enjoy Pup-Peroni and Beggin' Strips during practice while spending time outdoors almost daily.

"Our dogs have the best jobs in the world," added Marek. "How many other dogs get to come to work with their humans and hang out near water on boats and play with other dogs regularly?"

The dogs have an Instagram page (@spartank9coaches) featuring them during practices.

"We were at practice one day getting many really good pictures of the dogs when coach Rippetoe suggested creating an Instagram page for Spartan Canine Coaches," said Marek, who moderates the account.

Each Spartan Canine Coach supports the team through daily routines and competition preparations.

"They are our entire team's emotional support dogs," says Stauffer.