Hailey Albert | Contributing writer
Emma Ferrall | Contributing writer
Hailie Davidson | Contributing writer
Every Wednesday, students go to the first floor of the J. Eugene Smith Library and wait by the comfy chairs for their favorite campus visitors . . . Therapy dogs. These adorable four-legged friends bring excitement and joy to everyone they meet. As a first-year college student, there are many adjustments you have to deal with, such as sleeping in a new bed, figuring out how to write a college paper, or missing your beloved dog at home. Even if you’re not a freshman, everyone is going through their own struggles. Whatever it is, being with therapy dogs can help take away your stress and anxiety.
On campus, therapy dogs help students' emotional well-being by supporting students with stress and anxiety. Especially during the school year, when events such as exams and midterms can stress you out big time. Dogs give unconditional love and affection and are nonjudgmental, which allows students to relax and engage. There's a very friendly environment, allowing all the students to feel more comfortable and supported. The volunteers are very kind to all, and share their personal experiences and stories with the group, creating a calming, supportive environment that fosters an engaging community. This program is truly important for the Eastern community, spending time with therapy dogs lifts people's spirits and fosters a connection with other peers at the event. You can tell therapy dogs on campus are proven to be successful in lifting people's spirits and calming nerves because so many people show up week after week. People can’t get enough of the good vibes dogs bring.
Tails of Joy is the agency that makes your dream of petting dogs at college a reality. Their mission is to establish a network of trustworthy, compassionate volunteers dedicated to using their animals at home to help anyone needing companionship or comfort in different areas. We are extremely lucky to have these therapy dogs on campus because they participate in many other programs like the READ program, hospice work, crisis response, and much more. Although they have a busy schedule and are located all across Connecticut, the time they spend on campus with students is personal. They specifically address every individual's emotional needs and give love and support in the best way possible. If you would like to learn more about this agency you can visit https://www.tailsofjoy.org. Laurel Rabshutz is in charge of college stress relief visits, if you want to schedule an event with the therapy dogs, you can email Laurel Rabschutz at laurel@tailsofjoy.org.
We had the opportunity to speak with Deb Hubbell, a volunteer for Tails of Joy. She gave us great insight into the program and her experiences with bringing her therapy dog. She shared with us that all the people with therapy dogs are volunteers and they are their personal dogs from home. She shared a fun fact: the dogs even do dance routines! As we spoke with Ms. Hubbell, we asked her what benefits she has observed and she told us that she has seen many people come out of their shells. Quiet people, withdrawn people, depressed people, etc. They all opened up. She has seen a massive difference in people before, during, and after being with the therapy dogs. “Folks feel more open with dogs; dogs are very accepting. They just be” said Ms. Hubbell. A component of stress relief is just petting dogs. These therapy dogs are a substitute for students who reside on campus and miss their pets at home. She says that dogs are very intuitive. They know when people are upset. We also asked her if there were any memorable stories she could remember, Ms. Hubbell told us a heartwarming story. There was a time when she was visiting a campus and this man came in very stressed and distraught. When he saw the dog, he melted on the floor. The two of them, the man and the dog, just lay there for a good 15 minutes. Ms. Hubbell could see and feel the connection the two were making. Dogs are genuinely so happy, and share the happiness with everyone around them.
In conclusion, therapy dogs are highly beneficial for students in our campus community. Dedicated volunteers like Deb Hubbell help provide comfort and support with their warming energy, and by sharing their loving, caring canines with all of us. As you navigate the challenges of college, stop by Wednesdays at the Library between 1 pm and 3 pm, and experience these cherished, stress-free visits a furball can provide for you.
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