Canine wags, howls, wet kisses help reduce stress and anxiety at Dogs, Donuts & a Turtle

The rising level of tension on Ball State’s campus can be felt in every residence hall and classroom building as students finish papers, complete group projects and prepare for finals.

But stress busters arrived Tuesday evening at Botsford/Swinford residence halls in the form of wagging tails, barks of joy and countless wet kisses for the one-day, semiannual Dogs, Donuts & A Turtle event.

“This is so helpful,” said Angelo Auriemma, 19, a freshman from Avon, Indiana. “I’ve been a bit stressed the last few weeks, but it’s great to play with the dogs. The donuts really helped, too, because I forget to eat this time of year.”

Botsford/Swinford, a part of the recently renovated Johnson Complex, is home to many students enrolled in the Emerging Media and Communication Living-Learning Communities. Students experience an environment that focuses on exploring the different majors and careers associated with communication, information and media.

“We’ve been doing this on campus for about 10 years, and it provides much-needed stress relief and community-building during a chaotic time of the year,” said Lori Byers, associate dean of the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM), who was joined by her faithful companion, Lola, a terrier mix.

Lola, the ever inquisitive canine who spent most of the evening hunting for donuts and other treats, made instant friends with dozens of students.

“I love dogs so much, and this helps since I miss my Charlie, who is part Yorkie,” said Madison Coffee, a freshman from Avon. “He’s kind of mean, but I love him to death. This will help me until I can get home.”

Research has found that when humans interact with canines, it raises a person’s level of oxytocin, a hormone associated with lower anxiety and blood pressure, said Ellen Lucas, associate director for outreach and consultation services for the Counseling Center.

“There is simply something about how humans interact with dogs that makes us feel less depressed and lowers the pressure we feel,” she said. “It’s perfect timing, because the last two weeks of school can be even more stressful than finals week. Taking a break to pet a dog can make students feel so much better.

“Pets are so unconditional in their love and response. There is no judgment because they are simply happy to see you.”

Lucas also pointed out that research has found that excessive stress on students during intense periods of the school year may impair memory, but an activity like interacting with pets helps young people retain information needed for tests.

The study break, similar to ones conducted on dozens of campuses across the nation, has proven quite popular.

“I am really happy we can have dogs around tonight because it’s been crazy the last few weeks,” said Valerie Cooper, a freshman from Middletown, Indiana. “I just needed to spend a few minutes with each of them. I don’t care that I am allergic to pet hair. It’s worth it.”

By Marc Ransford, Senior Media Strategist