On April 24, two of PAWS of CNY’s volunteer teams visited with students at Upstate University to help them to de-stress during finals week. Margaret Abrahamson and her australian shepherd Feather, and Anna Mayerhofer and her dachshund Lumpi, spent a few hours at Upstate University’s Health Science Library at Weiskotten Hall to give some much-appreciated stress-relief to visiting students.
“Just by petting and touching the dog [the students] reactions and comments went back to their homes and families” said volunteer Anna Mayerhofer. “The dogs truly have a place of comfort and security for the students. In times of stress, how fortunate [that] one can be transported to a place where you are loved through the simple action of touching and petting an animal!”
The de-stress event at Upstate University was one of three de-stress events that PAWS of CNY attended in mid-April. Volunteer teams also visited with students at Syracuse University for their annual “PAWS for Stress” event, at at the State University of Environmental Science and Forestry. Said volunteer Margaret Abrahamson of the event at Upstate University, “I heard comments like ‘this is just what I needed,’ and ‘oh I miss my dog at home!'”
The healing benefits of interacting with a caring animal have been well-documented. PAWS of CNY is thrilled to partner with our local colleges and universities to help bring some relief and relaxation to the stress and pressures of life on a college campus. If you are interested in having PAWS of CNY visit your campus or college event, visit our programs page to learn more about the educational opportunities that we offer.