Study PAWS Program Alleviates Stress | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
TTUHSC students walking through Lubbock campus courtyard.

Study PAWS Program Alleviates Stress

Take a Break, Pet a DogGolden Retriever

Walk into the TTUHSC at Abilene School of Nursing foyer during the lunch hour, and you might just get mauled — by a puppy. Pet therapy dogs from Hendrick Rehabilitation Center are on campus before midterm and final exams for students to pet and cuddle. 

Third-year nursing student, Mary Nguyen, skips into the foyer excited to see her dog pals. "I've really bonded with all of the dogs that visit," she said. "I have always supported animal therapy because of its great antidote of stress. This program is one of the best brain breaks you can get, and I never miss a meeting!" 

 

Scientific studies indicate animals can greatly enhance a student's mood and help them center and refocus before resuming their studies ... Bringing a little bit of home to campus is one of my favorite things about our Study PAWS (Pet Away Worries and Stress) program.

Pearl Merritt, EdD, MSN

Dean School of Nursing at Abilene