Dogs help Students De-stress at Semester's End

Trained therapy dogs recently gave Mount Saint Mary College students, including one from Hicksville, from end-of-semester stress.

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

Psychology student Elizabeth Lavin of Hicksville took the opportunity to shake hands with Shaina, a standard poodle, during the the Mount Saint Mary College Library.

In addition to Shaina, a standard poodle owned by Susan Dickens of Garnerville N.Y., “Wagging Tails Stress Relief” also featured Lola, a Rottweiler owned by Candace Robinson of New City, N.Y. 

“Lola loves being a therapy dog,” said Robinson of her loyal Rottweiler. “She loves to be loved, so why not share her with everyone?”

School officials point to research that they say shows 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.

Robinson said that the interaction was good for the dogs as well.

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

“Wagging Tails Stress Relief” was co-sponsored the Mount Saint Mary College Library and the Mount’s counseling center.