Dogs Help to De-Stress Students

Students were greeted with wagging tails by the four dogs who were a part of the Doggy Daze event held Wednesday, Nov. 9. While visiting each animal, students learned about how therapy dogs help people cope with stressful situations.  

 

Dr. Teresa Doughty, the UTA College of Education Dean, brought her therapy dog, Boomer, a golden doodle, to visit with students. After researching therapy dogs' interaction with children with disabilities and seeing that positive interaction firsthand, Dr. Doughty knew she wanted to work with therapy dogs.  

 

"This is his 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. "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."  

Dr. Doughty stated that research has shown that petting and interacting with a dog has several positive effects, such as lowering stress and reducing blood pressure.  

 

The Mayo Clinic website states that pets can help people recover or to better cope with health problems they may be experiencing. Studies show that mood-boosting hormones oxytocin and dopamine are released when petting an animal. It also decreases the stress hormone cortisol. Pets help to reduce our stress and anxiety.  

Jazmin Martinez, a Nursing major, shared Dr. Doughty's feelings about the impact therapy dogs have on people.  

 

"I like being around dogs, and it is great that the library provides this as a stress reliever," Jazmin said. "I like the energy dogs have and how they can bring up a person's attitude and make someone's day. It was very calming."