Georgia Youngblood
gyoungbl@uwsuper.edu
The Jim Dan Hill Library welcomed back several therapy dogs on October 7, inviting students to take a break from their busy class schedule. For two hours, students had the opportunity to stop by for a quick visit, or to stay a while and unwind with the dogs. The event is highly anticipated by students and faculty alike, and typically occurs several times a semester.
Each therapy dog has its own unique story. A sweet golden retriever named Teaka has become a familiar face at the JDH Library’s therapy dog events over the years. She served as a therapy dog since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Due to her calm and gentle personality, her role as an unofficial therapy dog has extended far beyond the pandemic.
Lori Hutchins and her therapy dog Teaka on Oct. 7.
Photo by Georgia Youngblood | The Promethean
Lori Hutchins is Teaka’s proud owner. Hutchins, a retired Minnesota teacher, has shared
her life with many dogs over the years – especially golden retrievers. Teaka was a frequent visitor in her classroom, helping to ease students’ anxiety. Teaka did not mind the extra affection added to her daily routine. “She just eats this up, she loves the attention,” said Hutchins with a smile.
As a former teacher, Hutchins is aware of the pressure and anxiety many students feel at school. “College students are going through a lot of stress with classes and life and being away from home,” said Hutchins. She added that having therapy dogs available helps students cope with the stress and uncertainties of their day and the semester.
Research backs Hutchins’ claims, proving that students feel better going about their day after an encounter with one of the dogs. “Just having them around has been shown to make a calmer environment for people,” said Hutchins.
If any students missed the therapy dogs’ October visit, no worries: they will be back at the JDH Library on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.