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Duke in Pics: Puppies in Perkins

Therapy dogs visit Duke Libraries to help students de-stress during final exams

Tanner, an 11-year-old black lab mix, received his fair share of hugs, iPhone photo snapshots and pats from Duke students taking an end-of-semester study break Wednesday in Perkins Library.He panted as he looked at the students surrounding him with big brown eyes.  “For some of these young people, it’s a reminder of home,” said Meredith Stewart, Tanner’s owner. At the end of every semester, Duke Libraries and Duke PAWS, a student community service group that volunteers in shelters and teaches proper animal care to the public, team up to bring therapy dogs to campus as students study for finals.  Duke biology senior Kirstie James has served as president of Duke PAWS for two years, and Wednesday’s event was her last “Puppies in Perkins” gathering before she graduates. She is planning to return home to Las Vegas and work with local animal rescues. She watched as students passed a cavalier King Charles spaniel named Charger from lap to lap. The moment was bittersweet, she said. “It’s nice it ended this way,” James said. “It’s pretty cool to see people are looking forward to something during finals. It helps people get through it, and it’s a nice way for people to end finals or take a break from it.”Across the room in Perkins, a 4-year-old goldendoodle named Sophie sprawled out on the floor, receiving belly rubs, and Lorelei, a 6-year-old German shepherd, stood next to Duke neuroscience senior Sonia Godbole. This was Godbole’s first time attending “Puppies in Perkins.” “I love dogs,” she said. “Whoever came up with this is a genius.”