Studying for finals stresses out many students, but some sought relief from their hectic schedules by hanging out with some of their local four-legged peers.
Ohio University’s Residential Housing hosted a “Playtime with Puppies” event Monday, where three dogs from the Athens County Dog Shelter were brought to Gamertsfelder Hall for students’ entertainment.
“Usually at this time of year, students are really stressed out from studying for finals and they’re away from home,” said Kirsten Laufenberg residential coordinator for Tiffin and Gamertsfelder Hall. “I think playing with dogs is a release for them.”
Dogs that help students cope with homesickness and stress was not a new concept for students to feel relaxed, said Enrique Hermosilla, program creator of “Playtime with Puppies” and residential coordinator for the Shively-Perkins complex.
“I started this program five years ago,” Hermosilla said. “We had done this once a year for the first three years and then twice a year for the last two.”
According to a May 13, 2012 article by USA Today, other universities such as Kent State University have similar programs. In the article, it said that research revealed that having interaction with dogs decreases cortisol, which is a stress-inducing hormone, and increases endorphins which is a hormone that makes someone happier.
There were 146 students that had signed a waiver to play with the dogs and a total of $137 was donated from students to give to the animal shelter.
“The shelter had actually asked for Pine-Sol or bleach instead of money,” Laufenberg said. “So, we’ll use the donations to bring those supplies that they need.”
Student reactions from the event were positive and some felt that the canines had given them some a much needed break from studying.
“Studying for finals brings a really stressful atmosphere,” said Ananda Harris a freshman studying theater. “I’m definitely in a better mood.”
hy135010@ohio.edu
