Doggy Daze Returns to UTA Libraries

UTA Libraries is going to the dogs with its latest event, Doggy Daze, Wednesday, Sept. 14.  

Students, faculty, and staff will have the chance to learn about therapy dogs' role in the health care field and visit these pups to de-stress from the day. 

Milaun Murry, an Experiential Learning librarian, stated that Doggy Daze has changed over time from being just an event where people visit with dogs, but works now to educate people about the critical role these animals play. 

She noted that through this event, UTA Libraries is "looking at how therapy pets, not just dogs, have an impact on the people they're involved with and how they are a "benefit when it comes to students' mental health and mental wellness." 

Five handlers and their dogs are confirmed to be at this event. The handlers will share information with participants about their animals and the service they offer in casual conversations during these group interactions. 

Research from the University of California Los Angeles Health System states the simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. Human interaction with animals has found that petting an animal lowers anxiety, helps people relax, provides comfort, reduces loneliness, and increases mental stimulation. 

The Sept. 14 event will run from Noon to 2 p.m. It is on the first floor of the UTA Central Library. 

To visit with the handlers and their dogs' people attending the event will sign up for a 15-minute time slot when they arrive. Available time slots are on a first come, first-serve basis. Participants will not be able to bring their dogs to the library as a part of this event.  

Dogs who will be at Doggy Daze have been verified by UTA Libraries’ staff that they are trained and certified as therapy animals. 

The Doggy Daze event is a reoccurring event during the academic year and takes place on the second Wednesday of the month.  The following two Doggy Daze events are Oct. 12 and Nov. 9. 

More information about this event is on the UTA Libraries' social media channels and the libraries' website at https://libraries.uta.edu.