By Colleen Fahy 
How can anyone not fall for a huge pair of innocent, begging eyes or a cute little meow from an animal who loves them deeply and unconditionally? No matter the situation, animals have a simple and calming presence that seems to bring joy to anyone going through a hard time. Both of my pets are truly part of my family. No matter what may stress me out, I can count on my pets to offer comfort and uninhibited love.
Dogs, specifically, can have healing effects in all types of situations. I have had a bit of personal experience with therapy dogs at my high school, although under much different circumstances. I am from Newtown, Connecticut where our town had to deal with the tragedy of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Following the horrific event, our school system took many measures to make the transition back into day-to-day life just a little easier. One idea was bringing the most loving golden retrievers I have ever met to the school. The dogs’ main role was to simply sit with their trainers in the lobby during the school day for anyone who wanted to stop by in between classes for a few minutes of belly rubs and wet, slobbery kisses.
Things were still very tough, of course, but at least for a little while, my troubles were forgotten. The happiness the animals brought me was unimaginable and I think the program was a huge success in our town. In fact, the dogs still sometimes make trips from their homes in the Midwest to visit Newtown. Two dogs are even stationed permanently at the school in a neighboring town that took in the Sandy Hook Elementary School kids. In many cases, the dogs offered solace when emotional barriers that had built up were broken down. Many found it easier to share a smile with a dog rather than talk to a counselor where it was hard to put things into words.
In more common situations, pets can serve as great stress-relievers. Studies show dogs can increase levels of oxytocin in humans, a hormone that reduces anxiety and elevates mood. Other studies state that spending time with pets can decrease blood pressure. Forbes featured an article in July that raved about the positive effects of pet-therapy programs during midterm and finals exam periods at various universities around the country. Tufts University and Kent State University are two schools who admit the student turnout at pet therapy events has been much greater than they could have ever expected. One event at Tufts garnered the support of about 200 students when only 20 were originally anticipated.
Perhaps it is that the mental health of many college students is currently in a scary state. Forbes writes that about how anxiety and depression are now more prevalent than ever among college students. “More than 11 percent of college students have been diagnosed or treated for anxiety in the past year, and more than 10 percent reported being diagnosed or treated for depression,” according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
This statistic does not surprise me at all. Just based on my group of friends, roommates and myself, I can definitely agree that impending tests, quizzes, papers and presentations cause a sense of panic and frenzy. Midterms and finals are among the most stressful times of the semester. Usually you just have to muddle through and try your best to get through the exams. However, if there is a way that Fordham could make it a little easier for students, we should take it.
Colleen Fahy, FCRH’17, is a communications and media studies major from Newtown, Connecticut.
