Therapy Dogs to Provide Stress Relief During Finals

December 2, 2014

The Zach S. Henderson Library has partnered with Georgia Southern University’s local chapter of Circle K International, a student led community-service organization, to relieve stress among students during finals week through the Therapy Dog Program. Circle K International is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro. The therapy dogs are on campus Monday, Dec. 8 - Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 5 – 6 p.m. in the Atrium, located at the front entrance of the Library facing Lakeside Cafe. Affiliated with the University since December 2012, the certified and insured therapy dogs are part of an organization called Therapy Dogs International. They visit nursing homes, hospitals, hospice care centers, disaster relief sites and other facilities to offer stress relief and comfort to people. Associate Dean Ann Hamilton who works in the Library, and helps coordinate the program says students like interacting with the dogs. “They pull out their cell phones and share pictures of their own pets with the therapy dog owners. The students really enjoy them.” The therapy dogs visit campus twice each semester during mid-term and finals week in the spring and fall.