Doggy Days Brings Paws-itivity to UTA Libraries

This article was written by our editorial assistant, Sophie Spruce.

The sun shined bright and intense on March 2 as five handlers gathered with their therapy dogs on the Ruthie Brock-Saxe Patio for Doggy Days at the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries.

The Libraries’ long-standing Doggy Days event acts as a dedicated time for students to destress and just have fun. Friendly wagging tails welcome dozens of visitors each month, many of whom use the event as a social gathering.

“UTA Libraries is proud to offer a service that is so well-loved by students,” said Grace Backus, Experiential Learning Events Coordinator. “We love seeing how the dogs brighten their day.”

The dogs were a welcome sight per to first-time attendee, Kolyn Sivilay. The freshman marketing major came to see the cute dogs after hearing about the event from a friend.

“I’m loving the dogs,” Sivilay said. “Everyone’s a college student so everyone’s stressed.”

Vanessa Gonzalez, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, happened to be passing by when she saw the event. She felt the dogs offered a reprieve from the bustle of life and had a calming effect on the students.

“I was just blown away as I went through and petted every dog and talked with their owners,” Gonzalez said. “It’s really nice to get to have that sit down and pause during the day.”

Gonzalez found unique solace as she spent time with the dogs.

“I just lost a family member, so this was really nice and really uplifting for me to get through my day,” Gonzalez said.

Doggy Days is held monthly at Central Library. Students can register for a time slot with their favorite pup via the MavOrgs event page.