Stressed Out? Furry Friends Can Help

Paws For People is a non-profit organization that brings well trained therapy dogs to people across the state, including college students.

They recently came to Neumann to help students de-stress before final exams.

Some of the dogs come from far away—one was from Puerto Rico—but others are from Lancaster, Pa. Some are adopted, some bought, and some rescued.

Paws For People is associated with the Neumann Wellness Center, which organized the event for students to come and relax while petting dogs.

“Neumann gave us our first hiring job to start our organization Paws for People, and it has been a success ever since,” said Beth Bradley, a volunteer who works for Paws for People.

The organization volunteers at many different locations, including hospitals, libraries, schools, and nursing homes.

Two of the dogs at Neumann were Skye, who is a Shetland Sheepdog, and Conrad, who is a Weimaraner. The dogs are calm in stressful situations. They get lots of training and they are tested multiple times by Paws for People to work as therapy dogs.

“I see the reaction on students’ faces and how they will react to the dogs, and it kind of makes the students relax a little bit. Especially when you pet a dog, it always makes you feel better and helps you step away from your stress,” said Regina Jewell, another volunteer with Paws for People.

Paws for People has also visited Immaculata University, Cabrini University, Cheyney University, and many other schools.