TORONTO – Exam time means cram time for many university students across Canada and higher education institutions are taking extra steps to relieve as much stress as possible by hosting therapy dog sessions.
The University of Toronto’s Science and Health Sciences Library is just the latest campus to introduce canine healing to mitigate stress during exams.
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Similar programs have been implemented at Harvard, Yale, McGill, and Dalhousie.
Health experts say dogs have been shown to reduce blood pressure, cortisol production, and stress and anxiety in general.
During the last week of November, over 75 staff members and students took part in the first two introductory therapy sessions.
For two hours during the day, Bella, a St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog, greets and interacts with students at the Marvin Gerstein Room at 9 King’s College Circle.
Two more sessions are planned for Wednesday December 12 and Thursday, December 13 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
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