"Puppy Therapy" at Chapman University (Photo: Los Angeles Times / December 3, 2009)
ORANGE -- Everyone loves puppies and now students at Chapman University hope the cuddly canines can relieve some stress during finals.
This week is "cram week" when students gear up for finals. The puppies will be greeting students today outside the university library to help calm nerves and give them a much needed break during one of the most stressful weeks of the year. The event, called "Furry Friends for Finals," is the brainchild of the university's Active Minds club, which promotes mental awareness.
The dogs -- 10 Malteses, Yorkies, pugs and dachshunds -- are provided by Puppies & Reptiles for Parties, a Torrance-based company.
Jennifer Heinz, a sophomore who helped organized the event says that it's been proven that having a dog helps relieve stress. "We thought it would be a cute idea if we brought some furry friends on campus," Heinz said.
"Dogs are always so happy and want to play, and that helps make you happier."
Heinz said she's received comments from other students expressing excitement about the cuddly canines. Many students miss the pets they left behind at home, she said.
Active Minds will also hand out pamphlets and other resources to students on how they can reduce stress and take care of themselves during finals, said Megan Brown, the group's advisor and a counselor for Student Psychological Counseling Services.
"Research has shown that animals can reduce anxiety and stress," said Brown, who is also a licensed marriage and family therapist.
The 6,000-student campus in Orange also offers other functions to help students with the stress of finals, including a "Midnight Breakfast" where pancakes, eggs and coffee are served by the chancellor and professors.
This week is "cram week" when students gear up for finals. The puppies will be greeting students today outside the university library to help calm nerves and give them a much needed break during one of the most stressful weeks of the year. The event, called "Furry Friends for Finals," is the brainchild of the university's Active Minds club, which promotes mental awareness.
The dogs -- 10 Malteses, Yorkies, pugs and dachshunds -- are provided by Puppies & Reptiles for Parties, a Torrance-based company.
Jennifer Heinz, a sophomore who helped organized the event says that it's been proven that having a dog helps relieve stress. "We thought it would be a cute idea if we brought some furry friends on campus," Heinz said.
"Dogs are always so happy and want to play, and that helps make you happier."
Heinz said she's received comments from other students expressing excitement about the cuddly canines. Many students miss the pets they left behind at home, she said.
Active Minds will also hand out pamphlets and other resources to students on how they can reduce stress and take care of themselves during finals, said Megan Brown, the group's advisor and a counselor for Student Psychological Counseling Services.
"Research has shown that animals can reduce anxiety and stress," said Brown, who is also a licensed marriage and family therapist.
The 6,000-student campus in Orange also offers other functions to help students with the stress of finals, including a "Midnight Breakfast" where pancakes, eggs and coffee are served by the chancellor and professors.
