Friendly pups help UCSD students de-stress
Caleb is a Doodle (mix between poodle and Golden Retriever). He was on hand Tuesday helping stressed out students cope with finals. Photo courtesy UCSD
Hundreds of UCSD students stressed out from finals had the opportunity to de-stress with “Therapy Fluffies” on Tuesday.
Studies show that petting a dog lowers stress levels, so 30 plus certified therapy dogs — including “Davey,” a cocker spaniel and “Izzey” golden retriever — were on Library Walk during finals week.
There were black and golden labs as well as boxers, among other species, in the canines’ very own “Petting Palace.”
“A number of studies have demonstrated that petting an animal lowers feelings of stress and improve mood. And, let’s face it, for most people dogs just bring a smile to their face,” said Jerry Phelps, Acting Director of Student Wellness Initiatives. The popularity of this tradition established at UC San Diego has attracted hundreds of students, staff and faculty and has been adopted by other campuses such as UC Merced, UC Davis and UC Riverside.Click here to view a slideshow from last spring’s event and go here to view the facebook event. The event is sponsored by UC San Diego’s LiveWell program, a Student Affairs initiative to create a healthy learning environment on campus.
Little Truman happily let students pet him in the Library Walk at UCSD during finals week.
Iizzey, a golden retriever, was more than happy to oblige students who needed a little relief from finals.
Emma Zen, a black lab, was a happy sight for many students.
Cocker Spaniel Davey got a lot of attention from students
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- UCSD marks its golden anniversary with a gala for scholarships
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- UCSD hosts four polling places
- La Jolla resident donates historic map to UCSD
- Parents help Bird Rock teachers prepare
Short URL: http://www.lajollalight.com/?p=30360
Posted by Halie Johnson
on Dec 7, 2010. Filed under Featured Story, News, Schools.
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