Therapy dogs comfort stressed-out students

By RIAIN FLYNN
Contributing Writer

Many college students feel stress at some point in their academic career, and most students have their own way to deal with it. At the Neil Hellman Library on The College of Saint Rose campus on Wednesday, students were greeted by a group of seven dog owners and six dogs, ranging from goldendoodles to bloodhounds, to ease the tension of finals if even just for a bit. One 172-pound dog however, really made his presence known, and quickly becomes popular.

Angus is a 3-year-old Newfoundland, and he was sure to be noticed. Angus immediately had heads turning as he walked into the library. Some students seemed a bit nervous around such a big dog, but once they came up and pet him, they couldn’t stop.

“As soon as I saw Angus show signs of a good therapy dog, I knew I had to get him certified,” said Lori Coults, Angus’s owner. Angus was certified as a therapy dog in January of this year, and has been visiting nursing homes and schools since June.

He is well loved by the first graders he visits and the residents of the nursing homes.

“People at the nursing home instantly brighten up when they see him,” said Coults. While this was only his first visit to Saint Rose, he made a lasting impression.

“Dogs are the best animals for therapy. They’re the purest creatures I know,” said Sarah Braverman, a freshman at The College of Saint Rose. Dogs are one of the most common therapy animals, and their friendly demeanors may be one reason why.

“They are top of the line therapy animals,” said Coults.

Dog owners take several steps to get their dogs certified as therapy animals. Dogs need to be registered by Therapy Dogs International, an organization located in Flanders, N.J., before they can be certified, and they have to qualify for the role.

“The dogs must show strong obedience, gentle disposition, and not have fear of wheelchairs, loud noises, crowds, etc,” said Carol Packard, another therapy dog owner at the event. The dogs will then be certified by Therapy Dogs International, where the owners will be able to bring their dogs to functions and events.

“Their job is to get petted,” said Packard. The events are just as good for the dogs as they are for the students who come. It is a relaxing way to take away stress, and being right in the library during finals week makes it all the more reason to come.

“It’s hard to feel stressed when there’s a fluffy, cuddly pup in front of you,” said Braverman.