Some of the most influential work that PAWS of CNY’s therapy dog teams do for our community is to support our students during stressful times of the year. Dogs have the power to help calm our nerves, make us smile when we’re feeling worried or anxious, and distract our busy minds. So to help students participating in Syracuse University’s SummerStart program to relax and unwind, PAWS of CNY sent several therapy dog teams to offer some much-needed love and support.
SummerStart at Syracuse University is designed for newly admitted students to ensure a smooth transition from high school to college. The six-week program provides pre-freshmen with an opportunity to become familiar with the academic, social, and cultural life at the University before the start of fall semester. PAWS of CNY volunteer Elaine Huebner attended the de-stress event with her goldendoodle, Getta.
“When Getta and I got to the grassy area outside the dorms, there were about 15 students interacting with the two dogs who were already there,” said Huebner. “As soon as we got close, I heard one of the kids say ‘Look! There’s another one!’ and then we were surrounded by four of them.” PAWS of CNY’s college and university de-stess events have seen as many as 200 students looking to interact with a therapy dog. Continued Hueber,
“[The students] were really excited to see Getta and be allowed to pet her…Many of them talked to me about their pets at home, and how much they missed them… We were never alone, but always surrounded by three or four students, and that continued for the entire hour!”
PAWS of CNY maintains the highest standards for its therapy dog program. In order to be certified, dogs like Getta must demonstrate exceptional temperament and behavior.
“Getta has been a ‘people’ dog from the minute we got her,” said Huebner. “She loves our friends, our neighbors, and anyone she meets along our walks… She is just one of the most lovable dogs I have ever met!”
Due to the overwhelming success of such de-stress events, PAWS of CNY has been invited to attend activities of all kinds at Syracuse University, semester after semester.
“I think that pet therapy takes the students away from the thoughts of testing and papers and all that responsibility by giving them something else to think about and someone else to talk to,” said Huebner. “While they enjoyed the dogs immensely, I think they also enjoyed being able to talk to the people who brought them and share a bit of their lives. It may have only been an hour, but sometimes that’s all it takes to refresh a brain tired from studying!”
If you are interested in having PAWS of CNY’s therapy dogs attend your next student event, contact us today.