Students rough it with Hand in Paw

Story by: Laura Poythress

While exams may be stressful to students, the University of Montevallo counseling center offers a myriad of ways for students to make it through midterms and finals.

At the end of each semester for the last few years, the counseling center has invited Hand in Paw to visit and let students play and pet their problems away. This year, the pups paid a surprise visit for midterms.

Dogs Cody and Molly travel to different college and hospital campuses all over the state of Alabama to provide animal assisted therapy to those in need. Molly's owner, Barbara Blair, says she sees a notable difference in the effect of the pups. "It's so nice just to watch some of the students sit and relax with dogs, maybe for the first time in weeks," Blair said.

Hand in Paw's Molly visits UM

The pups bring their own handouts and business cards for students to keep on their fridges as a reminder that everything will be alright.

To learn more about the Montevallo counseling services, clock here.
And to learn more about Hand in Paw, check out their website here.