As the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library filled with the soft rustle of pages and sighs of midterm fatigue, a trio of therapy dogs — Rascal, Shug and Jack — brought a breath of joy and a wag of comfort to stressed Tulane University students.
Known as the golden mafia, the three golden retrievers quickly drew a crowd on Wednesday, as students stopped by for a few minutes of calm and comfort in the midst of their studying.
The event, hosted by Tulane University Libraries, was organized through the The Visiting Pet Program, the only animal-assisted activity and therapy program in New Orleans. Since 1987, the program visits nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities with their trained dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits.
“I have a lot of anxiety and stress, especially around midterms,” junior Paige Garlitz said. “Seeing the dogs, I feel like it’s grounding, and they’re so happy and a positive thing. I just like hanging out with them.”
Dog handler Katie Acuff knew she wanted to be a handler after the first time she brought Rascal to a hospital.
“The first time I brought Rascal on a visit, we went to a rehabilitation hospital,” Acuff said. “He was fixated on one patient, licking her palm repeatedly. She said, ‘I can feel him licking my hand. I had a stroke and have been paralyzed on that side, but I can actually feel him licking my hand.’ It was really special to be there for that.”
From this experience, she devoted her time to bringing the dogs to rehabilitation hospitals and nursing homes. Through her close connection with the dean of libraries, Acuff decided to begin bringing the dogs to Tulane.
“When there’s anxious people and three beautiful, smiling dogs walk in, it’s hard to not just smile,” Acuff said.
For many students, especially first-years, the fall season can bring homesickness. Garlitz said therapy dogs help alleviate homesickness and mid-semester stress for students.
“I feel like a lot of people are starting to miss home,” Garlitz said. “It’s a nice way to remember [home], if you’re missing your dogs. It’s refreshing to hang out and pet them and realize that everything helps with stress and anxiety. Everything’s gonna be okay, and the dogs are just super cute and like a fun little break session.”