Studying for midterms has gone to the dogs.
Miller Hall hosted dogs from the Tiger Human Animal Therapy Service — also known as Tiger HATS — in a residential hall program to help relieve residents of midterm stress.
Miller Resident Assistant and accounting senior JoAnn Washum said she had read about another University having dogs in its union to help students relax and thought the program at Miller could do the same during midterms.
Anthropology and film sophomore Rebecca Tingstrom said she enjoyed the midterm treat.
“It’s a great way to take a break from studying, and I miss my pets back home,” Tingstrom said. “Animals are very understanding, and it’s a very giving relationship. They can give you unconditional love.”
Art history and graphic design junior and Miller RA Kim Allen was part of the planning group for the program.
“This was an idea for a program at Miller and we went along with it,” Allen said.
Residential Life Coordinator for Miller Hall Colby Kinder said the afternoon timing worked out well for the residents, and the program was a way to take advantage of the weather and Miller’s outdoor space.
“Because we have a deck, it’s a perfect opportunity to incorporate animals,” Washum said.
Director of Tiger HATS Diane Sylvester said the program’s dogs visit health facilities, schools, libraries and people of all ages.
Sylvester screens each dog to make sure it has the right qualities to be a therapy dog.
“They have to be evaluated, and not all dogs pass,” Sylvester said.
Dogs and owners both have to participate in a training session as well, Sylvester said.
She said her favorite part of the therapy is seeing other people’s reactions.
“It’s just a fun activity to get a little down time and puts a smile on someone’s face to see something they can cuddle, hold and love,” Sylvester said.
Baton Rouge resident and dog owner Lori Willard has been involved with the program for about a month.
Willard said she hoped her dogs would bring the girls some relaxation during this stressful time.
“There is nothing like holding a puppy,” Willard said.
Although the dogs appeared excited, they declined to comment.
“There is nothing like holding a puppy.”
“Woof.”
