Dog Therapy returns with new canine friends

In the University Involvement Center at UW-River Falls, students across campus utilize the space for studying, napping and various meetings or gatherings. One event in particular that is popular in the IC is dog therapy.

Occurring about once a month, service dogs in training are brought by their owners or handlers to campus for students to interact with and pet. Scientific research shows that spending time around animals like dogs or cats can help lower stress levels and boost feelings of happiness and serotonin.

Archie, Gilman, Rosie, Bob and Coleton are the chosen dogs that get to come to dog therapy for the 2025-2026 school year. At dog therapy on Oct. 16, three out of the five dogs were in attendance to receive pets and love from students. Rosie, Gilman, and Coleton were the dogs present at the October dog therapy.

This is the description that was given for the upcoming dog therapy event on Nov. 6.,"the dogs are back and ready to brighten your day! Stop in for a mental health boost and some tail-wagging joy. Petting encouraged, stress discouraged."

Dog therapy lasts for two hours, 4-6 p.m., and the dogs handlers allow students to pet, hug, take pictures and practice dog tricks. Their are posters up around the University Center showcasing the next dates when dog therapy will occur. It is not for certain which of the dogs will be there but either way, their is enough puppy love and de-stressing to go around.