Wags and Snuggles: Students De-Stress with Therapy Dogs
It was wagging tails and cuddles on December 15 as a pack of wildly happy therapy
dogs took over Sykes Student Union. WCU’s own embedded therapy dog, Mr. Muddy Puddles,
was at the front door, drawing students to him with his “puppy dog” eyes. From belly
rub-loving Oliver the almost-white English Lab to soprano songs and stories by the
vocal Beagle Stormy, the therapy dogs greeted students and helped them de-stress as
the semester draws to a close.
This was the annual fall semester Therapy Dog Extravaganza, organized by the WCU Counseling Center to alleviate students’ stress during finals week. The outreach event included Golden Retrievers on the first floor of the FHG library, who enticed students to take a short study break for petting, an action that scientists have proven releases the “feel good” chemicals serotonin and dopamine and decreases the stress hormone cortisol.
The University typically brings in one or two therapy dogs on an almost weekly basis. This semester, therapy dogs made 18 visits to campus. But the end of the semester and December holidays can be especially tough on students.
“We get constant positive feedback and expressions of gratitude from students for having the dogs on campus,” said Rachel Daltry, Psy.D., Counseling Center Director, licensed psychologist, and an associate professor and chair of the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services. Daltry owns the student-loved chocolate Labrador Retriever Mr. Muddy Puddles, whose training is impressive. He was not leashed for most of the event and if he became distracted while a student was with him, Daltry brought his attention back to that student with a gesture or quiet command.
The therapy dogs’ owners say the dogs love serving people. Several owners noted that the pandemic shutdown was difficult on the dogs when they could not regularly visit schools, nursing homes, or correctional facilities.
WCU’s therapy dog visits will continue in the spring semester, Daltry promised, with another extravaganza during spring finals week.
CBS3 and FOX29 feature WCU therapy dogs on campus during final exam week.
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