Dogs visit University of North Florida to help students relieve stress

On Monday, students in Jacksonville got special assistance to help them relax from the stress of final exams.

Hundreds of University of North Florida students waited in line to spend a few minutes with stress-relief dogs on campus.

Many students told Action News Jax finals weeks can be overwhelming.

“It’s definitely hectic, and I know for a lot of people, this library has been so crazy,” student Brooke Lasky said.

A little break from the stress and pressure can make all the difference.

Lasky’s family is far away, including her own dog.

“To be able to come here and get that love and support you don’t get from anyone else,” Lasky said. “This is kind of like me with my own animals getting that stress away."

Volunteer and puppy raiser Vicki Smith said the pups are with Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs free of charge.

“The dogs definitely love them, they love the attention,” Smith said.

“This is like a fairy tale for me. I’m very happy here,” Lasky said.

Cox Media Group