December 2016 Paws for Stress held at The Student Commons

December 5, 2016

Held during exam week at VCU Monroe Park Campus, the Paws for Stress event lets students take a break from exam preparation and enjoy time with Dogs On Call therapy dogs. Our published research documents the stress relief provided by this event. With an average turnout of around 600 students, the event brings smiles and laughs from all who attend this event held twice each semester. Thank you to our partners at VCU University Counseling Services, the Student Government Association and Virginia Book Company for another successful event!

Photos by Julia Rendleman, VCU University Marketing

Dogs On Call therapy dog Scrappy, a golden retriever, looks up at a student smiling who is petting Scrappy

Cricket, a Dogs on Call therapy dog, shares big smiles with a student as they get to know one another

Dogs On Call therapy dog Smooch, a golden retriever, faces the camera as three V C U students pet Smooch

Students gather around therapy dog, Smooch, as she joins them for a break from exam preparations

Dogs On Call therapy dog Tucker, a golden retriever and chow mix, receives a kiss on the forehead from a v c u student

Dogs on Call therapy dog, Tucker, enjoys a sweet moment with a student fan

Dogs On Call therapy dog Wrigley, a golden retriever, wears a reindeer collar and is making two V C U students smile

Dogs on Call member, Wrigley, brought smiles to everyone he met at Paws for Stress