Rescue dog, 'Mr. Cleo,' helps college students de-stress during finals
SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WJAR) — A rescue dog is helping Bryant University students de-stress during finals.
His name is Mr. Cleo.
"He's a part of the counseling services family. He's part of the team," said Dr. Noelle Harris, the assistant dean and director of counseling services at Bryant.
Mr. Cleo is hers.
"He comes every Wednesday to work with me," said Harris of her certified pet therapy dog.
"It just reminds me of my dog, and it makes me happy," said Brianna Rogers, a freshman at Bryant.
Especially in the midst of finals.
It's the students who benefit.
"It's cool. It makes me more excited to come here," said Myles Peterson, also a freshman.
HEALTH CHECK: Women & Infants Hospital breaks ground for new labor and delivery center"I was burning out studying for accounting. Coming over here, just having a distraction helps so much," said Anna Garibian, a sophomore.
"It's awesome. I love dogs, I feel like they just make all the environment happier," added Nick Richetelli.
"I just think that any bit of relaxation and, you know, taking them out of this space of busy worriness and being kind of in the moment, being present, it's a gift like, look at this," Harris said. "How can you not kind of soften a little bit when you have a little puppy like this?"
What's going on at Bryant University is part of a growing trend on college campuses -- offering pet therapy in what they call "stress-free zones" in spaces like the library.
