Dogs on Campus to return as finals approach

Sophomore+Criminal+Justice+Major+Christian+Rubeis+walks+his+dog%2C+Rosie%2C+down+the+Esplanade+during+Blast+Off.+Aug.+30%2C+2015.

Sophomore Criminal Justice Major Christian Rubeis walks his dog, Rosie, down the Esplanade during Blast Off. Aug. 30, 2015.

Brenna Parker

Kent State University Library will feature a “Stress Free Zone” with the Dogs on Campus pet therapy program on Monday and Tuesday during finals week from 3 – 5 p.m. in the first floor lobby.

Professor Kathy Adamle founded Dogs on Campus in 2005 as the first pet therapy program on a university campus in the country.

“The Dogs on Campus Pet Therapy program gives students a short reprieve from stress during final exam week, which may raise their endorphin level, and in turn enhance coping mechanisms,” Adamle said.

Adamle created the program after walking her own dogs on campus and seeing the reactions students had. She was intrigued by the concept of a pet therapy program that was not necessarily for sick individuals, but for students who have left their pets at home.

“Everyone who encounters our visit at the KSU library smiles,” Adamle said. 

Dogs on Campus also makes frequent visits to residence halls and have also been called to help during stressful situations and campus emergencies.

The library will provide free popcorn and beverages to students and will award 100 FlashPerk Points to those who attend the Stress Free Zone.

Contact Brenna Parker at [email protected].