Local service dog program, paws4people, provided therapy dogs for UNCW students during finals week.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - UNCW event, Recharge at Randall, allowed stressed out students to pet and interact with dogs during finals week.

Finals week for the university’s spring semester is in full swing and anxiety among students is at its peak. UNCW students in Randall library were given a chance to relax and take a unique break from studying by petting and engaging with dogs.

Local dog assistance program and nonprofit, paws4people, provided 5 dogs for the event at Randall Library. Samantha Cleary, director of puppy development for paws4people is passionate about the positive aspects that events like this have on both the students and the dogs.

“We have found that just partnering up with different organization on campus and bringing the dogs in, its great training for the dog but its also a great stress relief for all the students,” Cleary explained.

Studies have shown that these kinds of interactions with dogs lead to a decrease in stress hormones and heart rate. In fact, a 2018 study showed that the recent trend of therapy dog sessions on university campuses have indicated “strong immediate benefits for students, including significantly reducing stress and increasing energy levels.”