University of Regina welcomes St. John Ambulance therapy dogs
With World Mental Health Day fast approaching on Oct. 10, 2022, students and other members of the University of Regina community will be able to relax and enjoy the company of therapy dogs on Oct. 6, courtesy of the St. John Ambulance volunteer Therapy Dog program.
“By having therapy dogs on campus, we hope to provide a bit of comfort, joy and mental well-being to students, staff and faculty,” said Rob McCaffrey, mental health advisor with the University. “Everyone is welcome to visit, pet, cuddle, and talk with the specially-trained pet dogs that are gentle and provide mental, emotional and physical support to their handlers and strangers.”
Studies have shown animal-assisted therapy, like therapy dogs, increases the hormone oxytocin, commonly referred to as the love hormone, and decreases the flight, fight or freeze, and anxiety hormone cortisol. When stroking, patting, scratching or touching therapy dogs, cortisol levels drop - decreasing anxiety and stress, and oxytocin rises making us feel better.
Therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to help their owners cope with disabilities, and are not to be touched or talked to while working. Therapy dogs, however, are trained to support anyone with mental and emotional health needs, and interact with everyone who seeks their service.
Details:
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Oct. 6, 2022
Research and Innovation Centre
University of Regina Main Campus
Media are welcome to attend this event between 10:30 – 11 a.m. and McCaffrey will be available for interviews there or through the media contact noted.
The University of Regina in partnership with St. John Ambulance will also be hosting therapy dogs during the weeks of Oct. 24 – 28, Nov. 14 – 18, and Dec. 5 – 9.
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About the University of Regina
Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,700 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
Let’s go far, together.