Northern students have the opportunity to take a break from studying and enjoy Therapy Dog Days during the final weeks of the semester.
Nora Scholl, Senior Library Assistant at the LRC, founded Therapy Dog Days last May. The event was popular among students last year and was brought back again this semester for finals week.
All the dogs at the LRC are from Pet Partners Therapy Dogs, a non profit organization that has certified animals all across the Upper Peninsula that participate in the program.
The first night of Therapy Dog Days was Tuesday, Dec. 3 and according to Scholl there was a great turn out. There were 10 dogs of all different breeds at the therapy session.
“The dogs are certified therapy animals that have been tested and are all very well behaved,” Scholl said. “They absolutely love the attention.”
Research shows that animals relieve stress and help with anxiety and depression. Being around an animal or petting it helps alleviate the stresses of everyday life.
“It’s nice to be able to spend time with animals as an alternative to staring at the computer, working on finals, and all of the stress,” Scholl said.
According to Scholl, the event also gives students who have dogs at home and miss them to have an outlet until the holidays.
“I know people who have dogs at home that miss them really appreciate this program,” Scholl said.
The dogs help relieve the stress of the upcoming finals week.
“Being with an animal is one of my best stress relievers,” said Alex Colon, a sophomore criminal justice major. “I have always been a huge dog lover. Just walking in to a place with a bunch of wagging tails begging to be petted, just lifts the stress right off of me. It reminds me of home.”
Therapy dog days will continue 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
This event will take place on the first floor of the LRC. There will be a sign where the dogs will be designated, so that students know where they will be located.
“It’s a fun relaxing time, and gives students a break from studying during finals week,” said Scholl. “We’re very fortunate to have them come. They’re excited to have students come and see their dogs.”
