When the midterm exam week approached, Park University planned various relaxation activities. The Pet Therapy Event was jointly organized by the Park University library. They cooperated with Human Animal Bond Therapy Pets, from Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, to host this event. The purpose was to help reduce the stress on students. It was held on Oct. 5 from 6-7 p.m. at Norrington Center.

Camille Abdel-Jawad, assistant professor of library instruction and outreach, said, “(The event) gave the opportunity to students not only come to the library and study, but also get some stress release.”

The Human Animal Bond organization brought four teams of owners and their therapy dogs for students to pet. These dogs are therapy certified and have undergone special training. Students had a wonderful time with the different breeds and sizes of dogs.

The library also provided card games, art activities and snacks at the event. The tagline was, “Grab a cookie, pet a puppy.”

Abdel-Jawad said she was surprised that the arrival of so many students made the relatively quiet library become crowed. She also said that they will communicate with the university counseling center and may offer the pet therapy event during finals week in December.