A Little Pet Therapy Goes a Long Way for Stressed Students

Photo Gallery

• Niccolla Emanuel '20 and Jesus Ibarra '20 visit one of Santa's canine helpers.

• "Made you smile!"

• Adjunct Assistant Professor of Political Science Scott Boddery's English lab, Kennedy, shares school spirit and love with (l-r) Katherine Franz '19 and Kelly Friers '18.

• "I saw a treat! Did I see a treat?"

• Kennedy greets Zuri.

• "Meme this mug," said the pug.

• "I'm ready for my close-up."

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WebMD.com reports medically documented benefits to pet owners for heart health, stress response, social connection, mood and meaning, immune response and learning aptitudes.

For students focused on final exams, stress, mood and learning aptitudes are top of mind. That's why, every semester on Reading Day, the campus takes a Common Hour break in a C. Shaw Smith 900 Room full of dogs. Volunteers bring dogs of all sizes to provide a little pet therapy to stressed students, resulting in a joyfully unscientific case study in all the empirical benefits noted above, no explanations needed.

The event is sponsored by the college's Pre-Veterinary Society. For stress relief or a simple smile, enjoy this photo gallery.