Walking up to the second floor of Ely Campus Center, you may find students either lounging on couches, typing on their laptops, or frantically trying to submit an assignment on time. But twice a month that floor is swarmed with dogs of many breeds.
Pet therapy, sponsored by Westfield State University’s Counseling Center, lets students unwind and relax and recharge with their furry friends in a hands-on, unique way. (See WWLP-TV coverage of the Feb. 12 event.)
Pet therapy at Westfield State began in 2007. Started as a novelty during finals week quickly grew to sessions held twice a month during the academic year.
“Students tell us that they can’t wait for the next time these dogs are on campus,” says Suzanna Adams, associate director of the Counseling Center. “It has been an overwhelming success.”
The idea of pet therapy was sparked by Counseling Center Director Tammy Bringaze. She became familiar with the idea of having on-campus pet therapy and set out to establish the program of having dogs regularly visit Westfield State.
Studies have shown that pet therapy has significant benefits for people experiencing stressful and demanding circumstances. According to a 2017 study by American Humane, “regular visits from therapy dogs can provide significant psychological benefits to families and children, especially undergoing circumstances such as cancer.”
“Pets are known to calm down the nervous system of their people,” said Adams. “Dogs especially, are good in that way because they are so responsive to humans and eager to please.”
Westfield dog trainer Leslie Piernie of Canine Learning Center informs dog owners about Westfield State’s pet therapy program; she focuses her training on support dogs and pet therapy dogs. Canines visiting WSU are satisfying their required field placement to become more comfortable in social situations and relaxed around numerous people and other dogs.
“Our dogs come to class to learn good manners and how to socialize nicely with other dogs and people,” said Piernie. “Driving up Western Ave., they get excited.”
Westfield State welcomes approximately 10–15 dogs to each pet therapy session. There are many different breeds, young and old; the abundant number of dogs enables students to get their much-needed quality time with them.
“We did count once, a couple of years ago and we counted about 125 students coming and going over the two-hour event,” said Julia Nedry, senior manager of outreach at Westfield State’s Counseling Center. “Although, I would not be surprised if the number of people has grown since them.”
Gretchen Cass of Southwick, Mass., has taken her German Shepard, Zahra, to Westfield State to participate in pet therapy since Zahra was 6 months old. Now 4 years old, Zahra is one of the most popular dogs at pet therapy; her sweet, calm demeanor draws countless people toward her. Cass explained that she found out about this program “through our dog obedience class, K9 Learning Center, they’re based out of Westfield.”
Senior psychology major Alyssa Lowell explained her reason for experiencing pet therapy. “I live far away in East Brookfield, Mass. I can’t see my dogs every day, so seeing these dogs every so often makes me happy.” She began attending pet therapy as a regular her first year. “It makes me extremely happy to be surrounded by animals, my favorite dog right now is Gia, she’s an English Cocker Spaniel and is 15 weeks old. It is her first time here.”
Cassidy Brown, a senior majoring in history, has been enjoying pet therapy since her first year at Westfield State and comes to relax and unravel after a day of hard work and studying.
“I don’t have animals at home, so it is nice to relax and rewind from the stress of the day and be surrounded by these loving, sweet, happy dogs,” said the Newburyport, Mass., resident. “I didn’t come as often sophomore year, and I can tell the difference of not having animals around me, so I began coming more often.”
WSU’s pet therapy has become an overwhelming success in the 13 years it has been held on campus. The students and faculty that attend have gained a sense of happiness and enjoyment from the dogs; benefiting from the advantages of social contact and companionship that helps with their overall mental, social, and psychological health.