McMaster using animals to de-stress
[projekktor id=’10288′]
This is a stressful time for university students as they cram for exams. But experts say everyone needs a break from studying and one of the new ways students are de-stressing is petting some furry four legged friends. Kelda Yuen was at McMaster Thursday, where a room was set up for students to play with a few rescued animals in between burying their heads in books.
Terran McCall is a volunteer: “Right here, I’ve got Panda Bear Poof,” or just “panda” for short. The fluffy pomeranian has one goal; to help students relax as they get ready for exams.
Student: “Lots of stress, and what better way to de-stress than petting puppies.”
“It’s been going on at other schools for a couple years. We thought it would be a good thing to bring to McMaster.”
Panda is one of two rescued dogs brought to McMaster by volunteers from the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA.
McCall says: “He’s an extremely easygoing dog. So just taking a moment to pet and cuddle a dog relieves that little bit of stress.”
Student: “With all my exams coming up, he’s really helped.”
Especially for students who are missing their pets back home.
Student: “I have two dogs back at home and during exam season they would always help me de-stress and feel better.”
McCall said: “Some of these kids they leave home and they leave their dogs behind.”
It’s not just dogs that came to visit. Meet Sugarbun. She’s three years old, and she was rescued about a year ago.”
Volunteer Karen Galer: “She actually came to my back door. She was part of a group of rabbits running wild in the neighbourhood.”
Student: “I miss my dog at home, and I just want to go home and cuddle her but this is good replacement.”
Volunteer Karen Galer: “Animals are very good at recognizing stress or if someone is not feeling well. They’d very happily take on all those negativities. It’s very rewarding just to see all the smiles here today. 28 I know Sugarbun certainly appreciates all the attention she’s had today.”
Before we knew it, it was time for them to go. With their job done, these animals, once neglected, are now helping to put smiles on students’ faces.
Exams begin Friday. They started the program last year and they’re planning other events on December 12th and December 17th. It will hopefully relax students a little bit before they get on with exams.
