Dogs Help College Students During End-of-Semester Crunch

From Mount Saint Mary College

Trained therapy dogs recently gave Mount Saint Mary College students, staff, and faculty a break from end of the semester stress.

The animals came to the Mount via the Hudson Valley Visiting Pet Program (HVPP).

“Wagging Tails Stress Relief” featured Shaina, a standard poodle owned by Susan Dickens of Garnerville, N.Y.; Moon, a treeing walker coonhound owned by Deloris Schaub of West Haverstraw, N.Y.; and Daisy, a golden retriever owned by Margo Zomback of Spring Valley, N.Y.

Research has indicated that watching, petting, or talking to an animal can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Interacting with animals can also reduce mental distress, and lower anxiety levels – for example, during final exam times for college students.

“The dogs are comforting for the students during this stressful time of year,” explained Orin Strauchler, director of counseling/coordinator of services for persons with disabilities. “This event makes the students feel a little less tense and tired.”

Mount students couldn’t seem to get enough of the friendly furries. There was hardly a moment when they weren’t showering the dogs with affection.

The popular event has become a tradition at Mount Saint Mary College during finals week.

“Wagging Tails Stress Relief” was co-sponsored by the Mount Saint Mary College Kaplan Family Library and Learning Center and the college’s counseling center.

PHOTO: Lindsey Castillo of Harrison, N.Y. cuddles with Shaina, a standard poodle, during a stress-reducing event at the Mount’s Kaplan Family Library and Learning Center. Photo by Lee Ferris.