Therapy dogs help take stress out of exams
One of the things many students miss most about being away from home is being away from their pets. As pets are not permitted in residence, we call on St. John Ambulance therapy dogs to help break the stress during exam time. On Monday, December 12 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Wemple Lounge, a number of four-legged friends will be here to help bust exam stress.
“The dogs bring a wonderful relaxed energy and simply enjoy being petted,” says Doreen Vautour,Residence Manager & Coordinator of Conferences and Student Activities. “The residents really look forward to the opportunity to get some unconditional dog-love in the midst of stressful exam time.”
For nearly two decades, St. John Ambulance has been providing this program. “St. John Ambulance knows there are few things in life that inspire as much joy in people as a wet nose and a wagging tail,” notes the St. John Ambulance website. “Research has shown that visits from Therapy Dogs help people recover more quickly from surgery, and strokes; and can reduce feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety associated with an illness. The unconditional love of a Therapy Dog can also assist with prescribed therapy and lowering blood pressure.”
For more information about this program, please visit http://www.sja.ca/Ontario/CommunityServices/Programs/Pages/TherapyDogServices.aspx
