SCAD Atlanta students spent free time socializing with several therapy animals Nov. 1 in the ACA Library.
CAREing Paws, a local registered animal therapy group, brought in several dogs for students to play with and pet. SCAD Atlanta Counseling and Student Support Services (CS3) organized the event as an opportunity for stress relief and relaxation for students.
“Usually once a quarter, Student Support Services brings animals in to help students relax and take time away from studying and academic stress,” said Nickesha Scarlett, a counseling intern with CS3. “Petting animals is really good for that.”
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, contact with animals can lower stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate, and can also reduce fear and anxiety.
Scarlett said that this is the first time CS3 has worked with CAREing Paws, but that she hopes to work with them again in the future. The organization also visits hospitals, homes, public libraries and schools.
For more information about CS3, visit www.scad.edu/life/student-services/student-health-services/counseling-and-support-services.
For more information about CAREing PAWS, visit www.careingpaws.org.
