Local Nonprofit Helps Relieve Stress for UMSN Students

The pressure of tests and exams can leave students feeling a little anxious and stressed out. Now, insert a furry four-legged friend with a wagging tail and endless kisses and belly-rubs. Suddenly, things don’t seem quite so bad.

That’s why students at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) look forward to visits from some very special (and furry) friends from Therapaws, a local nonprofit organization that brings therapy dogs to organizations to boost morale, improve motivation and most importantly, lower stress.

According to Sandy Turnau, UMSN administrative assistant intermediate, who works with Therapaws to organize visits to the Clinical Learning Center (CLC), located in the lower level of Nursing Building 2, bringing the pups in to interact with students is not just fun, it’s therapeutic.

In fact, in a 2021 study published by the National Library of Medicine, students who interacted with a therapy dog showed significant improvements in self-reported stress and anxiety.

“I have seen them [the dogs] throughout Mott Children’s Hospital during my clinicals and at different campus events. It’s always refreshing and an instant serotonin booster to see them,” says Estrella Escutia, a third-year undergraduate student at UMSN.

Estrella adds that one of the dogs that she visited with, Maya, shares a striking resemblance to her own husky who is back at home with her family in Detroit. “Maya made me feel safe and at home. I felt comforted as I pictured petting my dog even though I don’t get to see him much during the semester,” she adds.

Estrella Escutia visits with Maya from Therapaws during a study break at UMSN.

Every dog from Therapaws that goes out on a visit is placed sufficiently far from each other to make sure everyone has a comfortable, stress-free interaction. Don’t worry, Fido is well-behaved! Each dog at Therapaws must be least one year old and must pass a Certified Therapy Dog Test that is administered by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

“I love that my dog brings joy to other people,” says Brinda Ganesan, vice president of Therapaws. “It’s a very fulfilling and humbling experience to know that your dog can make someone else feel better,” she adds.

When asked if there are plans to bring the dogs back to UMSN, Sandy responded with a resounding, “Yes,” so students can look forward to seeing the fur fly once again in the near future.