By Jessie Recendez, Nov. 26, 2024
Homework, tests and personal issues can increase stress in college students, but Cal Poly Pomona English professor Kristy K. Hodson often brings her three therapy dogs to campus to help CPP students deal with stress.
Spending time with animals can help reduce stress and anxiety, the National Institute of Health study revealed. With that in mind, Hodson brings her dogs to the CPP library. Students can pet or sit with Gracie, a Harlequin Great Dane, Hamlet, a Brindle Great Dane and Sioux, an English Mastiff, who are patient with their student companions and can make them feel calmer and happier.
By bringing her dogs to the library, Hodson creates a warm and friendly place. She encourages students to talk about their feelings, making it safe to discuss mental health issues. The dogs also help students connect with each other and their teachers. Hodson said this feeling of community is important, especially when students might feel alone.
While Hodson doesn’t usually bring her dogs to class because of their size and allergies, she said that she believes therapy dogs can help in classrooms in many ways.
“They can soothe stress and anxiety, providing support during tests,” Hodson said. “For sensitive discussions, having a dog present might create a calm atmosphere. For students studying veterinary or animal science, a friendly animal could enhance hands-on learning, if the animal is treated with care.”
Kriz Zoleta, an assistant in the University Library said that therapy dogs not only lower stress but also create a welcoming space for students.
“Supporting professor Hodson means engaging in our learning and participating in the de-stressing events she helps organize,” Zoleta said.
Professor Hodson has been teaching at Cal Poly Pomona since 1998, but her journey into therapy work started with her oldest Great Dane, Gracie. Hodson said that through an organization called Paws-to-Share, Gracie has spent time providing comfort in places like memory care centers and schools.
In the summer of 2021, Hodson and her dog Gracie visited unaccompanied minors at the Long Beach Convention Center. Hodson said many of these children had fled from violence and poverty and were in an unfamiliar country, often without family or friends.
“On Sundays, when we brought the dogs for the kids to pet and play with, the benefits of therapy animals were clear,” Hodson said.
The therapy dogs, according to Hodson, helped scared kindergarten children who were reluctant to let go of their parents’ hands.
“They (dogs) also comforted anxious parents watching their little ones begin a new journey,” Hodson said. “That day, it was hard to tell who benefited more — the children or the parents — showing how therapy dogs can make a difference.”
The joy these visits brought to the children motivated her to continue the animal therapy work.
Hodson said she saw the therapy dog program at the University Library on social media, which inspired her to get involved. She said she knew her pets could offer support to her students, so she reached out to the program coordinators. With Gracie leading the way, and later joined by
Hamlet and Sioux, Hodson has made regular visits to the library, bringing the comfort of animal companionship to students.
“A good therapy animal will relieve stress, calm anxiety, ease depression and provide companionship without asking for anything in return,” Hodson said. “This is especially important for students who may feel isolated, as the presence of a therapy dog can foster a sense of connection.”
Students often feel lonely, especially when living away from home. Many college students miss their own pets, and having therapy dogs can help them cope. Hodson said every student’s experience is different, but “a wagging tail can brighten anyone’s day.”
Joyce Nguyen, a CPP junior, said having a furry friend on campus makes her day.
“Cuddling with the puppy really increases my dopamine levels,” Nguyen said. “Getting slobber on me helped relax my mind.”
Hodson said a good therapy dog needs to love people of all ages, be comfortable around other animals and obey commands.
“They should also handle crowds well, stay calm with unfamiliar noises and enjoy being petted,” Hodson said. “Stability and a loving temperament are important, as is the ability to avoid barking or jumping.”
Hodson said she hopes to be a part of the dog therapy expansion at CPP.
“My dogs remind me that every student needs to feel cared for and seen,” Hodson said. “Sometimes, it’s okay to be quiet and not have to say anything. Everyone goes through challenges. Dogs can sense this. My dogs remind me to remember this about my students.”
Feature image courtesy of Bren Belmonte