Finals Season and Therapy Dogs: Pets Helping People Visits UWM

With students bracing for finals, a moment away from the crinkling of papers and clicking of pens is necessary for the wellness of many. Pets Helping People, a Milwaukee organization that brings and provides training for therapy dogs around Southeast Wisconsin, visited the UW-Milwaukee campus to alleviate stress for students during finals season.

On the evening of December 4th, a line of students grew outside of UW-Milwaukee’s conference center. The conference center is located in the Student Union and is a campus events hub. Students patiently waited their turn to be let inside, as organizers didn’t want to overwhelm the therapy dogs. Once inside, circles of chairs surrounded the dogs accompanied by their owner – welcoming students to sit with them and decompress.

Calm, safe, and comfortable environments are sought-after havens during finals, with students feeling the pressure of an ending semester. Ruby Zogg, a UW-Milwaukee junior studying psychology, is feeling the heat. “I think many students are feeling anxious and stressed right now,” Zogg says. “Students are feeling really, really anxious about getting good grades and about how much workload there is for every class. Lots of anxiety about performance and doing well, ensuring you get a good grade.”

With winter creeping up and the days becoming shorter, it can be difficult for students to handle. “I think it’s quite literally the worst time of year,” Zogg continues. “It is a burden, and it is heavy, and it is stressful – It is the reason why a lot of students feel such overwhelming negative feelings.”

The mere presence of a therapy dog can shift the atmosphere in a room, casting a spell of tranquility and joy. Scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety, these canine therapists offer a unique form of therapy that transcends the boundaries of traditional treatment methods. Whether providing comfort to patients in hospitals, offering support to students during exam periods, or lending a paw to survivors of traumatic events, therapy dogs are proving indispensable in mental health.

Lisa Hare, the newly appointed Executive Director at Pets Helping People (PHP), oversaw the UW-Milwaukee campus event. Hare shares the organization’s plans to continue sharing the love of therapy dogs with Milwaukee students during exams. “Come exam time, we spend our time at UWM, Concordia, Marquette, and MIAD,” Hare says. “Students can come in and enjoy the vibe, feel the dog’s love, and ask questions – just being present.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, PHP has several incredibly impactful programs and specializes in the training and certification of therapy dogs. These animals undergo extensive training to acclimate to different situations and respond empathetically to the needs of those around them. The non-judgmental nature of dogs, combined with their unconditional love, creates a safe space for individuals to open up and express their emotions.

“The core of what we do is training and certification. So, if you and your dog want to get certified as a therapy team, we offer that. That is something foundationally that we do. Then, what you want to do with it is completely up to you. We support you.” Hare says.

But the impact of these canines goes far beyond a calming presence for students.

PHP Board Member Mona Knutson, who is volunteering at the event, speaks on the many spaces that PHP’s therapy dogs visit. “We visit libraries, schools, nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals, any facility. Also, facilities like women’s prisons and Sojourner house.” The impact of the therapy dogs visiting these places goes beyond measure. “The seniors often talk about the dogs they had when they were kids, and it reminds them of the past. They brighten up when they see a dog; being able to pet them – it means a lot.” Knutson continues.

It is crucial to distinguish between therapy dogs and their close relatives, service dogs. While both play vital roles in improving the lives of individuals, their functions and training differ significantly. Service dogs are specifically trained to assist people with disabilities, performing tasks such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting those with hearing impairments, or helping individuals with mobility issues. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, service dogs must undergo rigorous training to meet the specific needs of their handlers and are protected by the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA), allowing them access to public spaces.

Therapy dogs are not trained to perform tasks for a disabled person. Instead, their primary role is to provide emotional support and comfort in various settings. Therapy dogs work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster-stricken areas, offering a therapeutic presence rather than executing specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. 

Understanding the distinction between therapy and service dogs is essential to appreciate their impact. While service dogs empower individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives, therapy dogs bring unique emotional support to diverse communities, enriching the human experience.