Doodle helps college students de-stress!

[Ginny Nightingale]

This article and accompanying video is about a Canadian college that has set up a "puppy room" for college kids as a way to relieve stress--this topic has been discussed before and this is something that I do with my red doodle named Mattie--she loves it and it is just like what they show in the video, although NO ONE waits an hour to get in as they did at this school. We go to State University of NY at Albany, which has thousands of students--but still, it doesn't get this crowded!

Anyway, if you watch the embedded video, you will see what MUST be a doodle at around 20 seconds in and again near the end--cute little guy too!

http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/07/tech/social-media/apparently-this-mat...

[Ginny Nightingale]

I just looked back at the email I got from the University and the contact there is part of the Disability Resource Center--I DO notice that many of the kids who come in seem to be socially isolated or a bit odd--Also, a student representative has really spearheaded this whole thing--maybe if you can find someone who is a student to approach the school, it would be better. They can usually apply for funding/permission to have events. 

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Well, I work at the university so one would think they would be more open. I'm going to work on it again and hopefully Monty can be there for the spring semester finals.

[BG and Gavin]

Well that was a complete riot!  We were mobbed by students at the residence.  The head master was a "no rules" guy (odd given his position) so nothing was off limits LOL.  We entertained throngs in the common room and then made door-to-door visits through out one floor, picking up followers as we went (think the Pied Piper).  Visiting with the international students was a total trip.  Some were afraid of dogs and were petting for the first time others hugged him and others cried because they missed home and their own pets.  Nearly everyone wanted their pictures taken with him.   After an hour and a half we had to leave, I was totally exhausted and so was Gavin.  Here is a copy of the poster they put up to advertise his visit.  Too cute!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Very cool!  Love it!

[BG and Gavin]

Couldn't resist sharing this great photo of Gavin and a happy student from last night that was forwarded to me :)

[Ginny Nightingale]

Love it!

[Ginny Nightingale]

Wow!!

[Donna K & Quincy]

That is adordable, did you get to keep the poster?

[Ginny Nightingale]

We had a great day at the university today too--lots of kids were there and there were about 8 dogs in each of two 2 hour shifts. Mattie had a great time as usual....one kid was kind of strange. When I mentioned that Mattie likes chasing small animals and sometimes catches them, he wanted all the details and talked about it for a long time....I tried to get him off the subject!! Sometimes the "therapist" is the handler, not the dog.  Three of the students owned LDs at home and there was an LD and an ALD in the group of dogs--so we were well represented!

[BG and Gavin]

Great news Ginny!  That boy does sound a bit stange though lol.  Sounds like the doodles were representing!  I don't think we would be as successful if we had to attend with other dogs because Gavin would want to focus on playing with them.

[Ginny Nightingale]

They do want to play, but we separate ourselves with chairs etc in the way. 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Sounds like fun for everyone. That kid does sound a bit strange, well a lot strange really.