Stress relief from those doggone exams

This article was first published on Daily News. Read the original article.

Students will be able to take a quick "paws" from their studies over the next few weeks. McMaster's Residence Life Office has partnered with St. John Ambulance and the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA to offer students in residence the chance to play with therapy dogs during the spring exam period. Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, schools and stressful situations. Proven benefits include:

• Decreased anxiety, depression and loneliness
• Decrease in blood pressure and heart rate
• Decrease in the stress hormone cortisol
• Increase in hormones associated with health and a feeling of well-being
• Increased self-esteem, social interaction, opportunities for laughter and feelings of happiness

Residence Life staff first partnered with these associations last December, inviting therapy dogs into McMaster residences for the first time. During the initial visit, more than 80 students in residence visited animals in Moulton Hall and almost 100 students visited dogs at Brandon Hall. Volunteers brought a wide range of breeds, both big and small. Due to the positive response, the Residence Life Office will continue to host therapy dog visits with the new addition of rabbits during the spring exam period. Due to room capacity and residence policy, this event is currently only available to students living in residence. Date: Thursday, April 11 Time:  7-8 p.m. Location: Hedden Hall, Ravine Room Organization: St. John Ambulance ~ Date: Tuesday, April 16 (rabbits will also be attending this session) Time: 7-8 p.m. Location: Moulton Hall, EMR Organization: SPCA ~ Date: Monday, April 22 Time:  3-4 p.m. Location: Moulton Hall, EMR Organization: SPCA