Dogs at the UW to visit eight campus locations May 1-15

It won’t be long before final exams, commencement, and the end of the spring semester, and it can be a very stressful time for students.

Starting today, Dogs on Call, a local nonprofit organization, will be providing some stress relief in the form of man’s or woman’s best friends.

“Dogs at the UW” will visit eight campus locations where students and staff can relieve some of their stress by spending time with the dogs – petting them and receiving unconditional love from them.

Research has shown that the simple act of petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and calm you down, and the animals also give and receive comfort, as well.

“Residents often comment that seeing the dogs reminds them of home,” says Brandon Bykowski, academic program coordinator at Ogg Hall.

Dogs at the UW will pay visits to the following campus locations:

• Tuesday, May 1, Sterling Hall, 6:30-8 p.m.;
• Wednesday, May 2, Phillips Hall, 6:30-8 p.m.;
• Monday, May 7, Bradley Hall, 6:30-8 p.m.;
• Wednesday, May 9, Liz Waters, 6:30-8 p.m.;
• Thursday, May 10, Chadbourne Hall, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.;
• Friday, May 11, Health Sciences Learning Center, noon-1 p.m.;
• Friday, May 11, Ogg Hall, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.;
• Tuesday, May 15, College Library at Helen C. White Hall, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

The “Dogs at the UW” program was developed by Dogs on Call three years ago.

The dogs and their handlers have visited dormitory lounges, Union South and libraries on campus, providing relaxation opportunities for students and staff. Learn more about the program here.