It was a rainy Thursday, but it was all warmth and smiles inside the lounge at Brewster Hall on April 4. PAWS of CNY therapy dog teams were in the building to encourage students to take a break from studying, and socialize with one another while enjoying some much deserved pet-assisted wellness.
PAWS of CNY volunteer therapy dogs in attendance on Thursday represented a variety of breeds, ages, and sizes. Volunteers in attendance included Joan Brown and her Cockapoo Sparky, Peggy Byrne and her Golden Retriever Ellie, Jessica Marabella and her Chocolate Labrador Blue, and Joanne Shibley and her Pug Quincy.
It was wonderful to watch students walk by the glass doors and windows of the lounge, not expecting to see dogs laying around being loved. Students with jaws dropped would run through the doors and immediately ask if they could pet the dogs. The students all graciously shared their time equally among all the dogs, rotating in small groups to ensure each dog received equal love and attention.
From belly rubs, to ear scratches, to full body hugs, the dogs were treated to warmth and affection, and the students were treated to smiles, laughter, and a welcome distraction to the papers and studying that awaited them back in their dorm rooms.
“This is exactly what I needed,” one student said.
“This is the best type of procrastination,” chimed in another.
PAWS of CNY therapy dogs visit at college campuses and dorms around Central New York. If you’d like PAWS of CNY’s certified therapy dogs to visit your dorm or campus event, please complete our event request form, and a member of our Board of Directors will be in touch to schedule your event. Please provide at least two weeks advance notice for your request.
To see photos from the recent visit at Brewster Hall, view our photo gallery below.
