Doggy Days Returns to UTA Libraries

UTA Libraries is going to the dogs Wednesday, Feb. 8, with the return of the monthly Doggy Days event. Through this event, students get the chance to interact with dogs and de-stress at the same time.  

Grace Backus, a library specialist, stated that Doggy Days is one of the libraries' oldest and most beloved events.  

“I think it’s a great way to relieve stress with the semester starting to pick up,” Grace said. “Students can expect to have a relaxing time petting some pups! Be sure to get there a little before noon to get a good place in line.” 

Dr. Teresa Doughty, the UTA College of Education Dean, brought her therapy dog, Boomer, a golden doodle, to visit with students back in November. She shared that the visits students have with the dogs provide a needed break from the stress brought on by school, work and in their personal lives. 

"This is his (Boomer) first full year of being a certified therapy dog, and he has grown into this role. He loves people and interacting with people," Dr. Doughty said in a previous UTA Libraries article. "We have worked with children with autism, and he has a calming effect on them. It is the same kind of effect that he has with students. He brings a sense of calm."   

The Mayo Clinic's website states that studies show mood-boosting hormones like oxytocin and dopamine are released when petting an animal. It also decreases the stress hormone cortisol and reduces anxiety.  

Doggy Days will take place from Noon – 2 p.m. in the sixth-floor atrium of the UTA Central Library building. No sign-ups are required, but time slots to visit with the dogs are on a first-come, first-serve basis. No outside dogs will be allowed to be brought to this event. The event is free to attend. 

If people have any questions about this event or need special accommodations, they can email elo_tl@uta.edu. 

For more information about this and other UTA Libraries events, go to https://libraries.uta.edu. Information can also be found on the UTA Libraries' social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.