Stress-relief, the therapy dog kind (the best kind!) was in full swing at the Student Union Ballroom on the UMass Amherst campus last Thursday, February 26th. King and I were running a bit late and had to wade through the mass of students waiting in the lobby of the Student Union for the doors of the Ballroom to open at 11:30 a.m.
Many of the students had attended every event Bright Spot Therapy Dogs has held on campus. They call the dogs by name, remembering Max, the Greyhound, Rowan, the red standard Poodle, King, the English Setter, and many of the other dogs that participate with their teammates in our Mid-Term and Final Exam Stress-Relief Events. In addition, they met many new dogs that day. Newly certified Bright Spot teams have signed up to participate in our college events.
It is pretty amazing to watch and listen as several hundred students at a time snuggle and pet the therapy dogs. What is so amazing is the soft-spoken tone throughout the large space. Students are smiling, laughing softly, talking to the dogs. All in hushed, calm, relaxed voices.
It is often said, I feel so relaxed when I come here and pet the dogs. Or, I love these dogs. I miss my own do so much. And, I have attended everyone of these events. I mark my calendar each semester so I won’t forget to come and see these wonderful dogs. Always, some will say, This is the best event the school does for us.
I must admit, I wasn’t feeling very well when I woke up that morning. I’ve been fighting a cold that has gone into my chest. I really needed to rest (so I was feeling). But, King was all brushed and excited about going. On with his vest, on with my Bright Spot shirt, and off we went. I love these events, so I really didn’t want to miss out on this one. I love watching how my dog makes others happy, whether it’s folks in a nursing home, a patient on hospice care, a child learning to read, or the college students just wanting to hang out. Therapy Dogs make everyone feel good. By the time I left, I was feeling so, so much better. The power of the human-canine bond is a very special thing.