Basic News Story

College Canines optimize student mental health 

by Isabella D’Onofrio 

 

Freshman got their first College Canines dog therapy experience in Lawrence Hall last week. 

 

Therapy dogs can be crucial for college students’ mental health. When new students move away from their homes, they sometimes leave their pets as well, which can be extremely heart-wrenching.  

Playing with a dog, cat, or other pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, according to Psychology Today.  

Twice every month, Point Park students have the chance to interact with the most loving therapy dogs. This gives them an opportunity to enjoy some quality time with animals since they are away from home.  

The dog owners and Point Park students discuss why these events are important to attend and how they benefit mental health in college.   

“I always love the opportunity to come and say hi because they are always so cute and welcoming. Dogs are such a huge part of my life and I have two at home, so I was missing them a lot,” said Lilly Benz, a freshman dance major at Point Park. Benz was one of the students at the college canine event on September 19. Lilly’s canine of choice was Clancy, a five-year-old goldendoodle.  

 

August Carter, a freshman theatre arts major at Point Park, was another dog-lover who had a fun time with the dogs. “I’ve really been missing my dog lately, so this is very therapeutic for me,” Carter said.  

 

Carter was one of about 40 students and two dog owners.  

 

According to Dog Training Elite, therapy dogs perform services for other people. These services could include going to hospitals, nursing homes, or college campuses to provide an overall positive distraction to ailments. The cost to train therapy dogs is expensive, usually ranging from $15,000 to $50,000. There are many ways a dog can be trained, but the most common way is group classes where multiple dogs can be trained at the same time. It can take 1-2 years for a therapy dog to be fully trained.  

 

Several students at the event asked about the possibility of therapy dogs visiting classrooms. Students voiced their opinions on how it would be good for those unable to come to the lobby due to class. If students wish to know more information about this, they can contact the Student Health Center. 

 

Laura Hoffman, staff clinician at the Point Park counseling center, is involved with the college canine events. 

 “The reason we started doing this was because we heard Point Park had done it before and students have always loved it, so we wanted to bring it back. Plus, this brings students together so they can meet one another and bond in a great way,” said Hoffman. 

 

Ron Frey and his Labrador named Qpid were one of the canine visitors at the event.  

 

Frey has worked with the UPMC Therapy Dog Program with Qpid for 13 years as well as one and a half years as a PPU college canine. 

 

 “I enjoy sharing the goodwill of witnessing how Qpid can instantly change people’s demeanor. It’s a fact that Therapy Dog interaction reduces blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.” Frey said. 

According to PubMed Central, animals are substantial stress relievers as well. They distract students from tough schoolwork, classes, anxiety, and personal situations. 

 

Therapy dogs and service dogs have important differences. Therapy dogs are trained to comfort and improve the lives of people they meet in various settings. Service dogs are trained to meet the needs of their handler. Service dogs are also individually trained to perform tasks for the benefit of someone with a disability, according to The Farmer’s Dog. 

 

“The real reason we do the college canine event is because it benefits student mental health. Spending time with a pet or animal helps decrease stress and anxiety, and battle depression.” Hoffman said. 

 

The next College Canine event will be held Friday, October 13th in the Lawrence Hall lobby. 

​

​