University is often thought of as the best time of your life. However, they can also be a very stressful time, causing anxiety and even mental health issues for some. A study at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland found that today’s college students suffer from anxiety and depression at a higher rate than every generation since the 1930s. With mental issues increasing, a solution was necessary. Gavin Jardine, vice-president of student life of Dalhousie’s student union states, “Mental health is a very serious issue that we’re trying to respond to on campus. We thought [a puppy room] could be a very fun, cheap way of addressing that.”
Dalhousie University is one of the first Canadian Universities to pair up with Therapeutic Paws of Canada, a non-profit organization of volunteers that trains animals to help people with human needs including mental health. Dalhousie set up a puppy room for three days during their final examination period, where students could sign up during a time slot to play with puppies. If a student could not make a time slot, they could get a free ride to the local SPCA to socialize with the animals there.
An overview of Dalhousie’s successful puppy room via YouTube user DalhousieU
The puppy room was a hit. A Facebook post regarding Dalhousie’s puppy room was shared over 300 times within the span of two hours. Students at several universities nation wide loved the idea and many wished that their own university would organize puppy visits as well.
Puppies that would participate a puppy room via Wikimedia Commons
Not only is the puppy room an idea that everyone loves, it is an effective one. According to Forma Walsh, a scholar at the University of Chicago, animals have been respected as essential partners in human survival, health, and healing since ancient times. Studies have shown that patients who received pet therapy were better able to control their anger, experienced decreased depressive symptoms and feelings of distress, and exhibited reduced anxiety (cited in Pet Therapy). Playing with dogs can help students lower their blood pressure and help them forget about the stresses of school for a short while.
For students who are homesick and miss their family, friends, and pet, or for students who just like animals and need a relaxing break from studying, the puppy room has proven to be a powerful and beneficial solution. Interaction with a puppy whose affection is unconditional can promote mental stability and put a smile on anyone’s face.
-Stephanie Mrakovich
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