Pet A Pet: Furry Finals Week Therapy

Utah State University student Heather Bankhead is working on a degree in Family Finance. She’s taken three finals, with two more to go.

 

So what’s she up to? In the stacks cramming? Memorizing material with a study group?

 

Nope. She’s petting a pet at the Utah State Counseling Center "Finals First Aid" event.

 

The center sponsored the event to help students lower stress levels during the finals frenzy.

 

Does it work?

 

Research says so, according to Counseling Center Director Mary Doty.

 

"Pets increase self esteem," says Doty. "They provide companionship and alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. They lessen stress and help with depression. They even lower blood pressure."

 

The star of the event was Griffin, a 6-year-old tail-wagger with friendly eyes and a long, glossy coat. Griffin is used to dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. He’s the mascot and therapy dog for the Counseling Center, where he befriends students who come in for assistance.

 

Detroit, a regal German shepherd who has served as a volunteer therapy dog at local convalescent centers, also sat in for the event. He was raised by his owner, information technology specialist Nancy Roberts, as a guide dog, but opted for a canine career in therapy instead.

 

Several hundred students came by during the week, eager to pet Griffin and Detroit and receive a wet dose of affection. Both dogs, and the visiting cat, were extremely well mannered after they all got used to each other.

 

The Counseling Center provides free services to students in a confidential atmosphere.

 

"We attempt to offer a variety of services in an atmosphere that is welcoming and comfortable for students," says Doty. "The counseling process helps individuals resolve personal difficulties and acquire the skills and knowledge that will enable them to take full advantage of their college experience."

 

Clinical services include individual, couple or group counseling; crisis intervention; one-time consultations; and workshops. Counselors help students with depression, trauma, eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, rape and sexual assault, anger management, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual orientation, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia.

 

Students are welcome to call the center at 797-1012 to arrange an appointment. The center is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. More information is available at http://www.usu.edu/counsel/index.htm.

 

Writer: Nadene Steinhoff, 797-1429; nadene.Steinhoff@usu.edu
Contact: Mary Doty, 797-1012; medoty@cc.usu.edu