There’s no better way to start off your academic day than with a cuddle from some therapy dogs. Students flocked to the Ehinger Center to play with some very happy therapy dogs on Tuesday, Nov. 12, as a part of the Stress Down event held in partnership with the Drew Counseling Center. Greeted with happy smiles and wagging tails, the therapy dogs Pepper, Lulu, Gracie, Glitter and Raven created a welcoming atmosphere.
In light of recent events, these therapy dogs brought laughter and excited energy back into the Ehinger Center.
Pepper, a nine-year-old black lab mix, had enough energy for everyone at the event. Excited to see everyone, Pepper and her handler went to every single person to spread some love.
Echo, an eight-year-old black lab, matched Pepper’s energy and went around to every dog and person, wandering away from her handler. Almost getting in trouble for how happy she was to see everyone, Echo had to be reined in and calmed down by various people.
Raven, the third black lab of the day, was just as excited as Pepper to see everyone. If Echo was going to get in trouble, Raven took the chance away from her. Raven was more excited to see the other dogs than the people at first. She had to be brought to her own corner to calm down before interacting with the other dogs.
Lulu, a golden retriever, was the calmer of the dogs. Lying peacefully, she offered anyone who needed a calm space the chance to sit down and relax. Lulu created a demure and prim environment.
Gracie, a Coton de Tulear, and Glitter, a Havanese, brought the little dog representation to the mix. The two are reaching in age, both in the double digits, but that didn’t stop them from coming out of their shells for the students and bringing cuddles to whoever got down on their level.
Despite the excitement coming from our canine friends, this stress-down event was successful. The laughter emanating from every student who attended was produced by their mutual love for dogs.
Allison Cannon is a first year double majoring in psychology and studio art, minoring in Spanish.
Featured image courtesy of Dee Cohen.
