On Monday, November 16, PAWS of CNY had the opportunity to participate in a student de-stress event at SUNY Oswego. The event aimed to give Oswego students an opportunity to focus on some much-needed and well-deserved mental health in the midst of exams, homework assignments, studying, and activities. PAWS of CNY volunteer Martha Sturtz attended the event with her golden retriever, Flyer.
“The students loved petting [the dogs] and most talked about how they can’t wait to see their own pets when they go home for Thanksgiving break.” said Sturtz. “Several students would sit or lay with the pets and you could just see them unwind. The students just love having us come visit. There are often students who have never been up close to an animal, much less pet one. The benefits are obvious just by looking at the students and seeing their smiles.”
According to research conducted by Georgia State University, Idaho State University and the Savannah College of Art and Design, animal-assisted therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and loneliness among college students. PAWS of CNY’s college and university programs aim to help mitigate those feelings among students, even if only temporarily.
“I think the one thing that makes student pet therapy visits unique… is that the students choose to come visit the pets,” said Sturtz. Some students that attend PAWS of CNY’s student de-stress events have participated in pet therapy programs in the past, and expect the emotional benefits in advance, where other studnets are experiencing pet therapy for the first time. It is often those students new to pet assisted wellness services who leave the events having been the most amazed, appreciative, and relaxed.
If you are interested in PAWS of CNY attending your student de-stress event, contact us today.