On Thursday, Dec. 15, York will be bringing comfort dogs to the Lincoln Lab during periods four, five and six. There will be three full grown Golden Retrievers available for students and staff to pet.
“They had the comfort dogs come to the Elmhurst Public Library. I heard it was awesome, so I contacted them and found it’s called Lutheran Church Charities,” said Jon Immel, the Learning Commons Department Chair. “They are out at Northbrook and we’ve made a donation to them.”
Results from medical studies have found that the simple act of stroking a pet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The social support a pet provides can also make a person feel more relaxed.
“They had the comfort dogs come to the Elmhurst Public Library. I heard it was awesome, so I contacted them and found it’s called Lutheran Church Charities,” said Jon Immel, the Learning Commons Department Chair. “They are out at Northbrook and we’ve made a donation to them.”
Results from medical studies have found that the simple act of stroking a pet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The social support a pet provides can also make a person feel more relaxed.
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| Photo Courtesy: Daily Herald |
This event managed to land a spot on the calendar right before winter break.
“Sometimes the holidays are stressful for people, for whatever reason. I think it’s also a stressful time for students. This visit from the dogs coincides with final exams and any student, under stress or not, are welcome.” said Immel.
Students and staff are encouraged to visit the dogs and see what this event is all about.
“It's 100 percent that I will go. I’m so excited. I just like to pet dogs and they are super cute,” said Isabelle Downey, sophomore. “Finals are coming up and I’m really stressed out and I know animals help lower your stress.”
There isn’t an exact estimate on the number of people who plan to show up so accommodations may have to be made to get kids in and out efficiently.
“I have a feeling it will be a popular hit because, I’m definitely not the only person who thinks that dogs save people from stress, so I have a feeling there will be a line out the door.” said Jack Scaro, senior.
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| Photo Courtesy: The New York Times |
“I think dogs have an interesting way of finding people who need to be found and that’s cool. And if that happens for one kid, then it’s worth it,” said Immel. “I think that you want to go into it thinking if one kid is really stressed out or having troubles anywhere, just one. That’s what you want.”
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