College can be a stressful time. Students of all ages are faced with choosing a career path, studying required materials, testing, and financial aid decisions. But it’s also a time to celebrate, grow, and make new friends. Especially the four-legged type with a wag tail, soft fur and a very happy – if slightly dry – smile. as if South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), their library was recently staffed with on-site therapy dogs to relieve stress and give students a healthy break from the daily grind.
Therapy Dog Day took over the SPSCC library
In early June, just before the final week of college, librarian Sarah Kapp welcomed students to come pet, pet and shake the visiting therapy dogs. She started this event in 2017 and that year 536 students attended. But, like many things, it was put on hold during the pandemic. She had hoped to launch Therapy Dog Day earlier, but several participating organizations have not renewed their licenses, so there are not enough dogs.
But this year, the event is back in full swing. With over 200 students standing, surprisingly half of SPSCC’s classes are still distance or online. “I decided to do it again because people keep asking me when the dogs are coming back,” Kapp said. “The demand seems to be there, and I hear nothing but positive things from students, faculty and staff. Some teachers let their students leave class early to come pet the dogs.
Alleviating student anxiety with tail wag
Kaip suggested both and facilitated this event. “I used to have a therapy dog, a golden retriever named Chance, so this service is near and dear to me,” she explains. “The dogs are individuals who are part of medical dog organizations. This is for insurance purposes in case something goes wrong, which it never has. I’m working with him at this time. Pet companions And Washington therapy dogs in Seattle. No dogs from SPSCC colleagues.
Students drop off early, and the kids are limited to 60 to 90 minute sessions at a time so they don’t burn out. To supplement the visits, Kaip created a display at the library that shows the difference between therapy dogs, service dogs, service dogs and emotional support animals. “I often ask people if they can bring their pets to dog therapy day,” she says. “They don’t realize that these dogs are being tested for temperament and obedience as part of an organization.”
Proven benefits of owning your beloved dog as a pet
Such activities are win/win. “I think it’s important for students to be involved in campus life for social and mental health reasons,” Kapp says. “Especially now with so many classes being offered online and the isolation that comes with that, it’s important to provide opportunities to connect with other students and interact with faculty, staff and dogs.”
But she says it’s more than a social issue. “We also see all the statistics about the rise in mental health issues among youth. Pets have been proven to reduce stress and improve physical and mental well-being, even just for a few minutes. We schedule dog therapy days with fourth-quarter assignments and tests so students can spend some time before final exams. To reduce stress.
A.K.C Reports That: “Petting a familiar dog lowers blood pressure, heart rate, slows breathing and relieves muscle tension. Washington State University scientists have found that just 10 minutes of petting a dog can have a profound effect… a natural mood booster.
SPSCC Library It supports students by providing free textbooks, book sales and even houseplants. Students on campus can also participate. Events Like Mindful Mondays, Yoga Tuesdays or a counseling support group. The school prides itself on offering mental health. Support services It helps students to achieve their daily goals.
No matter what your day is like, take a few minutes to pamper yourself with a furry friend. Take a walk together, bask in the sunshine, practice silly tricks or just pet their fluffy fur. Cat, dog, pony or chinchilla, our pets bring joy and increase well-being with their love, stimulation and eagerness to spend time together. Especially if you have treatments.
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