Southwest goes to the dogs with Stress Free Zone event

Nearly 50 faculty, students and staff attended the Stress Free Zone event earlier this month on the Union Avenue Campus as part of Southwest’s National Library Week Celebration (April 9-13).  The event was presented in partnership with Mid-South Therapy Dogs and Friends, a nonprofit organization devoted to providing all people, young and old, the opportunity to experience the magic of the human-animal bond.

Public Services Librarian Gloria Hayden says the purpose of the event was to help students relax as finals approach.  “The goal was to encourage students and everyone else to visit the library and learn how interacting with animals can be so beneficial.  We want people to associate us with being an information resource and know that librarians are here and happy to help.”

This was the third year the Library presented the event, but the first time at Union campus.  “It was a wonderful event,” Hayden said.  “It was incredibly well attended and everyone seemed to really relax and enjoy petting the dogs.”

Hayden says the dogs are highly trained and accustomed to being touched and handled by the public.  “These dogs are so calm and must be certified before they can become therapy dogs,” Hayden added. “So everyone is invited to come out and relax with the puppies.”

The Stress Free Zone Event at the Bornblum Library on the Macon Cove campus Tuesday, April 24, Noon - 2:30 p.m. has been cancelled due to a death in the handler's family.