Mattie (my TDI doodle)and I found our calling!

[Ginny Nightingale]

Mattie and I had a terrific Therapy dog experience today--maybe this goes on in your area--we were invited to go to a major state university that is about 35 minutes away to hang out with the students on the day before finals. There were 12 therapy dogs coming over 4 hours. When we got there just a few hours before the end,there were 4 other dogs there, but we were in a lounge area and couches blocked our view of each other....there was a huge Australian LD who was gorgeous! Mattie thought it was an indoor dog park and wanted to play but I got her settled down and she was immediately surrounded by students. The kids went wild for her--she is very affectionate and sweet and the students picked up on that right away. They sat on the floor and let her kiss them and they gave her great belly rubs. It got everyone talking about their beloved dogs at home and how much they missed them. Some of the students were saying that this was the best event they had had and were hoping we would come back for the next set of finals. Mattie really enjoyed the attention, so hopefully, we will be invited back.

Since I was a high school teacher for over 30 years, I felt very comfortable with this age group and had a great time chatting with them about school, their summer vacation plans, etc. It was really fun and it gave me an idea. In my state of New York, the kids in high school have ten days of state finals called Regents exams--it is very nerve-wracking--I think I might ask the principal of the school I retired from if Mattie and I can hang out in the lobby on test days--not the whole time, but here and there--to give the kids some stress relief. I think it would be a great time for all. If you have a therapy dog, maybe this is going on at your schools--or could be--this is a terrific help to the kids who are stressed out.

They did take a picture today and asked for Mattie's name, but I have no idea where the picture will be shown--I will have to check the school's website and see if she ends up on it.

Here is Mattie get some loving on my son's lap. Rio and Lyric are in the background....

[Bonnie and Kona]

Mattie looks so sweet. This is a wonderful idea!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I remember the Regent's exam well from the dark ages. This is a very nice idea.

[Wynn, Fudge, and Willy]

What a great idea. We have a university near our home.  I think I will check into doing a visit to the school with Fudge.

We already go to elementary schools for the children to read to Fudge.  We really enjoy that too.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

AWESOME.  I haven't heard of this for college and it is a fabulous idea.  My son takes our Springer with him to college a lot and Gordie is loved and snuggled the whole time he is there.  I think it really does help the kids and I know Gordie loves it.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

What a great idea.  I hope more schools pick up on it.  Students today have very high stress levels.

[Karen and Bridget]

What a fantastic idea!  Who doesn't like hanging out with an adorable, sweet dog??  Great job Mattie & Ginny :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Wow, I think this is awesome.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

This is great! Of course she loved it! I'm sure the school will invite you back for sure!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I tried to reply last night when I first read your post, but I can't find my response, so I thought I'd try again.  

Wally and I went to MIT to visit with graduate students in their MBA program this past Tuesday night.  Besides giving students an opportunity to chill with the dogs prior to the start of finals, they also offered free massages and acupuncture.

Wally was given a goodie bag after the event, about which he was particularly delighted!

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

They did this at Emory University Law School this year.  I pasted (at least I hope it pasted) the link from the paper and also from the Emory site.  It was a great success and the paper even mentioned a labradoodle that participated.

http://www.ajc.com/lifestyle/colleges-throw-stressed-students-14297...

http://news.emory.edu/stories/2012/05/er_law_school_finals_therapy_...

[Ginny Nightingale]

You need to find a training class in your area and pass the test--the dog has to be at least a year old. I trained with TDI (Therapy Dogs International) but there are other groups including Delta. They all have websites.