Meet the furry peacemakers giving students a break

Just outside Berlin Lounge stood a sign that read, “Please keep the door closed, to keep our friends in.” These aren’t your average friends. These four-legged furry friends came to visit the students of Westminster College Friday December 7th for one reason; Stress relief.

“Pause for Paws” brought nine animals into Berlin Lounge the Friday before finals to give the stressed students a break from their busy schedules. Seven dogs and two cats brought joy to many students and staff of Westminster. Last semester this event didn’t have cats, but Event Coordinator Barbara ‘Babs’ Quincy insisted that cats were added to the event.

Many students shared with me that stress is what brought them to this event.

Junior Music Education Major Laura Mink expresses why she paused for paws, “This is a stressful week. This is an awesome end to the semester; to just relax a bit before finals.”

Babs reveals a common misconception about finals week, “This week [the week before finals] is probably more stressful than [actual finals week].”

Smiling was inevitable inside Berlin Lounge as students watched as a few of the dogs were playing with each other. Everyone was encouraged to play with the animals as well as picking up and hugging them. According to Babs, there is research that shows how animals are a great stress reliever.

“Endorphins, the hormone that makes us feel good, are released when we hug. So, hugging the animals make us feel good, relieving the stress.” Babs went on to explain.

Our furry friends will be back next semester on the Friday before finals again.