By Kelsey LeBlanc|ContributorJust five days before midterm, the wellness staff held an event targeted towards stressed-out students. The Midterm De-Stress Fest presented five furry friends: Callie, Drake, Jaxon, Skylar, and Trigger, along with their loving owners, for AU students to spend the morning with. All of the dogs are certified therapy dogs with the CSRA Therapy Dog Alliance.When speaking with Callie’s owner, Bev Calvert, she explained that all of the dogs have been tested for the appropriate temperament for a therapy dog. Members of the alliance get invited to different organizations such as other colleges, children’s hospitals, nursing homes and airports to provide an outlet for those struggling with stress and anxiety. Callie, specifically, is one of “AU’s Furry Friends” and visits frequently with different medical units.“More and more people are realizing the benefits of sweet therapy dogs, and I think it’s important to give back to the community. It feels good to help others smile during difficult situations,” Calvert stated when asked why she decided to have Callie tested.An abundance of students gathered in the JSAC breezeway to enjoy time with the dogs and let go of some stress associated with midterm assignments.Ansleigh Davis, a freshman chemistry major, was surprised to come across a group of dogs in the middle of the student center.
“This is my first time coming to the event. I didn’t even know it was happening until I came inside to change my top,” Ansleigh noted.“It’s a great distraction from schoolwork stress. It makes you smile and forget about your worries for a little while.” Contact Kelsey LeBlanc at KELLEBLANC@augusta.edu