This year’s Exam Stress Busters Program welcomes furry friends to the library
The University of Guelph kicked off a month’s worth of Exam Stress Busters with the Take a Paws event, held at the McLaughlin Library on April 5 and April 6, 2016. The library co-sponsored the new event along with the Ontario Veterinary College and the OVC Pet Trust to give students an opportunity to spend time with dogs from the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program.
These dogs and their owners have been trained to bring comfort to individuals in need, often visiting with hospice patients, seniors, and young children. Therapy dog programs have recently seen an increase in demand for university students feeling the pressure of exam season.
Peggy Pritchard, the event organizer and a teaching librarian at the university, recognized the growing stresses that current students face while trying to balance school, part-time jobs, and volunteer commitments.
“We can really appreciate the fact that we need to be more active in helping students,” said Pritchard in an interview with The Ontarion.
Pritchard and her dog Taksim also participated in the event as certified members of the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program.
Students at the university were able to feel the de-stressing benefits of their time spent stroking and cuddling with the dogs, even though the sessions were only 15 minutes in length.
“It really tones you down from the atmosphere of exam season when you’re not always thinking straight,” said Alexandra Locke, a second-year chemistry student who specifically came back to campus with her roommate for the event.
The dogs may have been the focal point of the event, but their owners also took part in creating a warm, welcoming environment for students.
“I’m noticing that the handlers are really, really interested in the students,” said Pritchard. “I wouldn’t be surprised if every one of the students leaving gets a ‘good luck on your exams’ and ‘I’m rooting for you.’”