The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Certified therapy dogs with the local organizations Paws 4 Love and the Humane Society of Southeast Texas will be on the first floor of the Mary and John Gray Library during the first week of finals, Dec. 3-6. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can be seen, held and nuzzled on Dec. 3, from 6:00 -8:00 p.m., Dec. 4, from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., Dec. 5, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Dec. 6, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

“Students will have the opportunity to take a break from studying for finals and enter a roped-off area to pet the dogs,” said Kristin Ipes, academic advisor with the University Undergraduate Advising Center and an owner of a certified therapy dog named Cowboy, who will be at the library. “Some of the dogs even know tricks.”

Paws 4 Love is a local chapter of the national organization Intermountain Therapy Animals. Research shows that petting animals can help lower stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improve mood; something most students need during finals week.

“My favorite part of having the dogs visit is hearing stories about our students’ dogs they had to leave at home in order to pursue the dream of a higher education,” Ipes said.

The Humane Society of Southeast Texas is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of animals and the promotion of animal welfare throughout Southeast Texas. The Humane Society operates solely on donations and volunteer work and welcomes support from the community. They shelter homeless animals until they can place them in good homes. The Humane Society can be contacted at 833-0504 or 722-0605.

For more information, contact Kristin Ipes at [email protected].