Yale's Law School Therapy Dog Reduces Stress

Last week Yale students not only had the opportunity to check out books, but they were also able to "check out" Monty, the school's Certified Library therapy dog. Most animal lovers will agree that being in relationship with a dog or cat can be extremely therapeutic, working wonders in reducing anxiety and stress. The love and acceptance these furry "therapists" unconditionally offer us can be incredibly healing; chasing the blues away and often putting things that are troubling into a more balanced perspective. Today it is no longer unusual to see a dog or cat "working" side by side as assistants to doctors, nurses, physical therapists and teachers in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and a wide variety of other institutions.

In fact, many universities now recognize the important role pets play in the lives of students far from home, and have recently opened some of their dormitories allowing small animals to share their residential facilities with them.

Endless hours of studying for exams can frazzle even the most seasoned student. So I was thrilled the other day to learn the prestigious Yale Law School recently launched a pilot dog therapy program, which ended last week.

According to the YALE DAILY NEWS, as of Monday, March 28, during the program pilot period, students not only had the opportunity to check out books, they were also able to "check out" Monty, the school's Certified Library therapy dog. Monty was available on "loan" for periods of a half-hour, three days a week. In an email released by librarian Blair Kauffman, he said, "It is well-documented that visits from therapy dogs have resulted in increased happiness, calmness and overall emotional well-being." Kaufmann hopes that these 30-minute sessions will help reduce student stress.

Three law students, who took advantage of the "sold-out" pilot program, checking out the adorable pooch, said the experience was both fun and therapeutic for them. Both therapy dog experts and students who were interviewed are hopeful that Monty can return in a more permanent basis.

Ellen Cosgrove, Dean of Students at Harvard Law School said, "We don't have our own dog like Yale does, but for the last few years during exam periods, we've had a study break where we've encouraged students and administrators to bring their dogs to the law school for around two hours one evening. It has been successful. It's a time to relax and get away from student stress for a few hours."

This writer thinks that the Yale University Law Library's pilot therapy dog program is right on the money. Since Tufts University and Harvard Law School, along with several other schools have already permitted students to play with dogs during finals period, what could be a more winning ticket!

So don't you think there is more to it than its original intent by calling a well read book, "dog-eared", after all? Share your opinion in a comment.