Thursday has gone to the dogs at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus.
Four-legged visitors made a guest appearance on campus to help stressed-out students relax during midterms.
Elena Hoath is in 12 classes this semester and found solace with Chester, a white fluffy gentle giant.
“I’m in the Therapist Assistant Diploma and pet therapy is so beneficial, it’s cool to see it being utilized. It’s like all the stress isn’t happening right now,” said Hoath.
Chester along with the Pets and People Visiting Society go to the airport, hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other events to help people relax and have fun with the dogs.
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Cindy Lewthwaite has been bringing three-year-old Chester to events for a year now and says that she loves watching him be a star and bringing joy to people.
She became involved when she was picking up her children from the airport last year and people were petting Chester while they waited for the plane to arrive. She was approached by someone about the society and has been a part of it ever since.
“We love going around and making people happy,” said Lewthwaite. “It’s a really wonderful society and we are very blessed to have dogs that are well socialized and love doing it.”
Brady Wilson, a science student at the college was pleasantly surprised to find out there would be dogs on campus.
“I love when they come to campus,” said Wilson. “It’s a stress reliever to just get close to them and pet them. It’s something that makes you happy. Dogs make me really happy so when I have the chance to pet them it’s just really nice.”
To volunteer with the Pets and People Visiting Society visit www.petsandpeople.ca.
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