“This is the best surprise ever!” one student said.

“This is exactly what I needed right now,” another added.

It’s been a challenging week for the Northeastern community, which was provided some comfort Thursday morning.

Lots of comfort, in fact.

Over a dozen dogs—the service, working, therapy and emotional kind—greeted students, faculty and staff outside Snell Library on the Boston campus.

There were pups and older dogs with names like Buddy, Derby, Poppy, Leo, Lucy and Lily. Students—hundreds as they transitioned between classes—sat with them, petted, cuddled and kissed them, and took plenty of selfies.

Some of the dogs came from Golden Opportunities for Independence in Walpole, others from Massachusetts towns (Salem, Norfolk, Chelmsford and Newton) and neighboring colleges (Berklee, Harvard and Brown).

Of course, they were joined by Cooper, one of Northeastern’s two community resource dogs, and his handlers, Officers Rachel Jolliffe and Armando Soto.

Northeastern Police also provided free coffee and lemonade.

For media inquiries, please contact media@northeastern.edu.