Who Let the Dogs In?

The Brackett Library brought along some therapy dogs for the first time during finals week this semester. Apart from being very cute and being man's best friend, they proved to be calming for the students who went along to pet and be with the dogs.

What did the students think of this? Here are some of their comments:
"The support dogs in the library were one of my favorite things that Harding has offered. I went before a final and the chihuahua, Tyler, just snuggled up to me, sat there looking at me with his big brown eyes and any anxiety I had just melted away.  So many students were impacted by the power of these animals, one girl said that she wanted to take a dog into her final so she could pet him while taking her test."

"Thanks so much for doing this!!  This was a great idea".

"The best part of finals week--dogs to pet in the library!"

"...I could feel the atmosphere change.  It provided students the chance to step out of their stressful week. People were happier and more relaxed. It's amazing the power that animals have to soothe the soul."

And from a library worker: 
"The dogs provided a wonderful break for students, a moment in their hectic frenzy of final exams to slow down and enjoy something simple and fun.  :)"

Did you miss seeing the dogs on Wednesday? Not to worry they will be back this Friday (December 12) afternoon from 3.00pm to 5.00pm

While a lot of the students will have left the campus by then, those engaged in grading might want a way to relieve some anxiety. So come on over to the library on Friday from 3.00pm - 5.00pm to spend some calming time with a puppy.

Finally I want to share the feedback from the therapy dog handlers. This speaks so much for the great Harding community:

"Jean, just a short follow up on therapy dogs in the library.  I want to extend a heart felt THANK YOU for inviting ABLEPaws to your library.  I hope the event was everything you expected or even more.
My volunteers were so excited to be there and participate.  We honestly have never been thanked by so many different students/staff for coming.  It was wonderful to be a part of and witness.  
Please let me know if in the future we can be of service to your establishment again.  We look forward to serving you again.
Also on behalf of ABLEPaws my volunteers would like to thank you & the library staff for the gifts provided to our volunteers. The gifts were not necessary or required at all.  However, your thoughtfulness has touched our hearts greatly.  Steve, Nancy, Amy, Candee, and I extend a sincere THANK YOU as well as our fur babies!  
Thank you again,
TJ & Bella"

Thanks to Jean Waldrop the other library staff for this initiative. Jean sums it by saying:

"I always get a little anxious trying something new but the smiles on the student's faces and the positive comments I heard made me feel good about the decision to have therapy dogs in the library."