Take a Paws With Therapy Dogs - Thursday, May 5th, 4-6pm
April 11, 2016
"Take a Paws" Stress Relief Session at the Library
We are excited to welcome therapy dogs Kodiak and Athena back to the Bentley Library for another "Take a Paws" stress-relief session! Thanks to the Center for Health and Wellness, you can enjoy some Bernese Mountain Dog love in the art gallery on Thursday, May 5, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
Kodiak
Athena
Also in attendance at this event is artist Linda Collins, whose paintings are currently on view in the art gallery. Dogs are one of Ms. Collins' favorite subjects to paint, and her portrait of Kodiak is included in this exhibit. More information about the exhibit can be found in this blog post. You can learn more about the artist at http://www.dogfaceartwork.com/ Why have therapy dogs at the library? Studies have shown that interacting with animals can:
- improve our interpersonal interactions & mood
- reduce cortisol (the "stress hormone"), heart rate & blood pressure
- improve immune system functioning
- reduce anxiety
- enhance empathy
- improve learning
It's posited that human-animal interaction activates the oxytocin system, leading to these positive effects.* Don't just take our word for it, come and see for yourself. Stop by the library on Reading Day for your daily dose of dogs (and oxytocin)! ----------------