Comfort Dogs Help Students De-Stress After Finals

- Article/Photos submitted by Mary Compton

When Marian Catholic library director Sue Silander heard about therapy dogs that help the stress of students, she began her own program.

“Stress Therapy With Dogs” has been in existence for over a year. Marian students couldn’t be happier.

Emily Eagan, a freshman from Chicago Heights spent much time with Brutus this past week inside the Marian Catholic library.

“Dogs give me a sense of comfort,” said Eagan. “ You can cry on a dog and they accept it for what it is,” she added.

Brutus is a comfort dog from Lutheran Church Charities. He has visited Marian Catholic in Chicago Heights five times. The comfort dogs visit students twice a year usually during finals week.

Jim Morrison is a Coordinator for the Kare 9 Military Ministry for Lutheran Church Charities. He received training in handling the Comfort dogs and is a certified Kare 9 Handler.

“We are invited to offer stress relief to the students during final exams,” explains Morrison. “Additionally, we are often asked to visit schools that have experienced a tragedy, such as the death of a student or faculty member,” he added.

Morrison has traveled to Wisconsin, Texas, Iowa and Indiana with comfort dogs.

“The visits offers students a break from the routine and stress of campus life, as well as a chance to love man's best friend,” said Morrison.

Marian Catholic senior, Danae Conigan was happy to pet Brutus after a long day of finals. “The dogs are the best thing,” said Danae. “ They helped with the stress of tests. When you are petting the dog, you forget about the finals. Brutus is my favorite,” added Danae.

Any school or organization can request a visit. Fill out a form at; https://lcc.ccbcchurch.com/for...

“These dogs help people heal” Morrison said. “They love people and bring a level of comfort to a grieving person that humans aren’t able to”.

Photos provided