Therapy Dogs + Ponies = Less Exam Stress

Miniature therapy horses Peaches and Kiwi from Stampede of Love help students de-stress during finals week at Lilly Library at Bishop's House on East Campus. The event, hosted by Duke Libraries, was open to the community and included cookies, snacks, warm cider and a station to make Duke pins.
Miniature therapy horses Peaches and Kiwi from Stampede of Love help students de-stress during finals week at Lilly Library at Bishop's House on East Campus.

This semester, for a healthy exam break many students turned to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Not the candy but a sweet 4-year-old rescue and certified therapy dog who loves getting attention from others, particularly belly rubs.

With Reese’s visit to Perkins Library on West Campus, students welcomed a moment of relaxation at a stressful point in the semester. Days later, miniature ponies Peaches and Kiwi from Stampede of Love did the same for students on East Campus.

“Studies have shown a lot of benefits to bringing a therapy dog onto campus during finals time,” said Kim Burhop, Reese’s owner. “Petting a dog releases endorphins. It’s a very calming process.”

Both events were sponsored by Duke University Libraries as a student wellness service during exams. The libraries also provided crafts, snacks and hot cider.

Photos by Jared Lazarus. Video by Ayanna Shepherd. University Communications and Marketing.

buttons offered up to students at the exam break events
Love and selfies outside Lilly Library.
Love and selfies outside Lilly Library.
The exam break was relaxing for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup as much as it was for the students.
The exam break was relaxing for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup as much as it was for the students.