week.
To help students take a bite out of finals stress, Campus Recreation, Prevention and Wellness and the Gulf Coast Humane Society teamed up to bring puppies to campus.
“Exams are a stressful time for students,” said Robbie Bell, assistant director of programs for Campus Recreation. “I know they were stressful for me, so I wanted to make sure that even if it’s five, 10 minutes relieving stress for students … who doesn’t like puppies? I’ve seen this event done before at other universities, and it was very successful.”
On Monday morning, tents were set up on the Cohen Center lawn, and students lined up to meet the puppies.
Sophomore Hannah Horwath was one of those students. “It definitely seems like a fun time to come out and play with the dogs,” she said. “I think it’ll definitely help people.”
Five of the six dogs were up for adoption, and several people spoke to volunteers from GCHS about adoption.
Courtney Piggott, special events manager for GCHS said, “Puppies do help stress.” She was approached by several attendees about pet adoption and volunteering.
“A couple people have asked about specific puppies, or just adopting in general, so we can tell them what they need to know,” Piggot said. “We’ve had quite a few people interested in volunteering, which is good.”
Courtney Piggott, special events manager for GCHS said, “Puppies do help stress.” She was approached by several attendees about pet adoption and volunteering.
“A couple people have asked about specific puppies, or just adopting in general, so we can tell them what they need to know,” Piggot said. “We’ve had quite a few people interested in volunteering, which is good.”
An FGCU organization called Pause for Paws was also a part of the event. The organization volunteers directly with GCHS to walk and take care of dogs each week.
With almost 500 students visiting the tents on Monday, according to volunteer and Pause for Paws member Jenny Rodgers, the first day of Puppy Palooza was clearly a hit.
With almost 500 students visiting the tents on Monday, according to volunteer and Pause for Paws member Jenny Rodgers, the first day of Puppy Palooza was clearly a hit.
To catch the “tail-end” of Puppy Palooza, students should visit the Cohen Center lawn on Thursday, April 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Story continues below advertisement
