FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
Over fifty students stopped by the Wimberly Library on December 7 to spend time with K9 Vallie, a therapy dog provided by FAU PD, and get tips on battling exam-related stress and anxiety from Owls Care services.
The crafts table with Vallie-themed coloring sheets and inspirational messages was a big hit, with some students staying to finish their projects after the event ended.
Students participating in the program approached the therapy dog one-on-one or in small groups, some spending only a few minutes, others staying for the whole duration of the event.
Valentina Pena and Madelin Duffel, bio-med and bio majors, said the event gave them a chance to relax and not think about the final exams and everything they have to do before the semester is over.
"I am a really big fan of dogs. I have seen Vallie around campus but never before had a chance to interact with her in a calm setting. I was really grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with her. Seeing her happy really appealed to my own emotions," said Valentina. Madelin added that it was really nice to be able to hang out with a therapy dog inside the library and take a break from her studies.
"I love being with animals. If there is a dog around, I am going to pet it!" she said, laughing.
Programs that include therapy dogs in academic libraries are becoming more common at universities across the country as the faculty and staff strive to help the students cope with exam-related stress and increasing workloads.
The event is the first of many future collaborations between FAU Libraries, FAU PD, and Owls Care, promoting self-care, mental health resources, and de-stressing techniques to students, faculty, and staff.
