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Ohio University Libraries
30 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701

Therapy Dog Thursdays to become a regular event

Mimi Calhoun
September 8, 2022

Ohio University Libraries has partnered with Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) to make the therapy dogs, Dug and Penny, a regular event. The furry friends usually make an appearance during finals and special events, but due to their popularity and joy that they bring students, the dogs’ visits will become a frequent thing.  Find Dug and Penny on Alden's second floor between 3:30 and 5:00 pm on the third Thursday of every month during fall semester; September 15, October 20, and November 17.

Jen Harvey, the Library events coordinator, wishes for the therapy dogs to help students out a bit during their time in college and be an outlet to decompress as well.
“We hope that by providing a regular time to visit with the therapy dogs, students will find the transition to college a bit easier, ease any possible homesickness, relieve stress and possibly learn about the services and resources Counseling and Psychological Services offers,” Harvey said.
So, in preparation for this newest event, here are some pictures of Dug and Penny from the last few years:

 

Picture of Dug the Therapy Dog laying outside with a green bandana

Dug, one of Counseling and Psychological Services’ therapy dogs, cools in the shade while awaiting students at the Camp Alden 2022 event. University Libraries’ hosts the event annually, and it’s aimed to welcome students back to campus while also showing off everything the Libraries has to offer. Dug is just one of the newest additions to the popular event. Photo by Charlie Nick/Ohio University Libraries.

 

Picture of Penny the Therapy Dog visiting with students

Penny, the other CPS therapy dog, is petted by students in Alden Library’s third floor CoLab. The therapy dogs are typically brought in to help students take a break and de-stress before finals week. Photo by Billy Schuerman/Ohio University Libraries.

 

Picture of Dug the Therapy Dog getting lots of pets from students

Dug is scratched by students during a visit to Alden Library. He has been registered as a therapy dog for over three years. Photo by Billy Schuerman/Ohio University Libraries.

If there are any questions about the dogs’ visits or any of our programming, contact Jen Harvey.