Hinkle Memorial Library hosts Therapy Dog Event for students during finals week

Student with therapy dog

At a glance

male student with a therapy dogSix dogs and their handlers came to the library to visit with students and to help them relax and de-stress during finals week. The dogs are registered through Therapy Dogs International, an organization that trains, regulates, and certifies therapy dogs and their handlers for service in community settings, such as libraries, schools, and nursing homes.

Big Blue Ox graphic

male student with a therapy dogHalf a dozen canines brought a little relief to some Alfred State students studying for final exams on Monday, Dec. 8, during the Hinkle Memorial Library’s Therapy Dog Event.

From 6-9 p.m., six dogs and their handlers came to the library to visit with students and to help them relax and de-stress during finals week. The dogs are registered through Therapy Dogs International, an organization that trains, regulates, and certifies therapy dogs and their handlers for service in community settings, such as libraries, schools, and nursing homes.

Amie Acton, instructional support assistant at the library, said the library staff provided refreshments, the dogs brought smiles and laughter, and the handlers chatted with the students.

“It was a welcoming event that let the students unwind and relax amidst the stressful preparations of final exams, papers, and presentations,” Acton said.

In photo: A student de-stresses with the help of a dog named “Kilroy” during the Hinkle Memorial Library’s Dec. 8 Therapy Dog Event.