As finals roll around yet again for students at Shippensburg University, stress and anxiety builds within the students in anticipation of the heavy studying to come. In order to cope with the stress of finals week, some students relaxed with a group of therapy dogs in the multi-purpose room (MPR) of Naugle Hall on Thursday.
Various events were planned throughout campus on the week of April 25 to alleviate some of the stress students will be facing. One popular event brought to campus included the Kindly Canines therapy dogs.
Kindly Canines worked with SU’s counseling center to bring a group of therapy dogs to campus and to comfort students feeling over-stressed. The event usually results with about 250 students attending. However, unpleasant weather prevented some students from coming out to see the dogs.
“The rain this time is a big hinder,” graduate assistant of the counseling center Shelby Rackley said.
One student, Amy Zelnick, attended the event in the past and found the dogs helped alleviate a great deal of pre-finals stress for her.
Dozens of other students attended the event and spent time with the seven therapy dogs in the MPR.
The lack of attendance certainly did not make a difference to the dogs. Buddy, a chocolate labrador, excitedly greeted students with tail wags and excited pants as they came to pet him.
Another canine, Soco, a large great dane, stood tall and patient as students circled and observed him, taking in his size. For each student that patted him, Soco leaned his head into their hand and gave a gentle lean to encourage them.
Other dogs laid on the floor, embracing whichever students came their way to show affection. Rosie, a 5-year-old basset hound, relaxed lazily, enjoying whatever belly rub came her way.
Student Kayla Forkin is allergic to dogs, but was not willing to miss the opportunity to cuddle with some of the canines.
“It is going to be so bad when I leave here, but it’s worth it,” Forkin said.
Allergic to dogs or not, a few students began contemplating getting a kindly canine of their own as regular stress relievers.
Kelsey Schlechter was highly encouraged by the event.
“I really want a dog now,” Schlechter said.
Kindly Canines achieved their goal as students left the event relaxed and ready to take on finals.
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