The student government held a puppy de-stressing event on campus in the student lounge. The event was a bigger attraction than they were anticipating, with only six 2-month-old brown Labrador puppies for the more than 100 people in attendance. As the event continued, the number stayed high as more people stopped by every minute.
The wait for the puppies was quiet with only a few groups speaking to each other, while “Shippin’ off to Boston” blasted over the stereo system.
“Chuck Morgan is here for the puppies,” said SFCC student Chuck Morgan, speaking in first-person. “I love the puppies, I understand the puppies, I’m there for the puppies. Words of Chuck Morgan.”
Needless to say the anticipation for the lovable brown balls of fur had the room buzzing.
Once the puppies arrived, students funneled into another room like a tsunami trying to fit into a water bottle. As if the flow of happiness and feel-good nature of the puppies, and the event weren’t enough, uplifting Christmas music played while a projection of a log fire burned on the wall. With the digital flames dancing its illusionary tango, the music played over all the noise. The tables were deserted as people opted to form semi-circles around the few puppies.
The event lasted until 2 p.m., with free groceries from the farmers market available to students, and 50-cent Italian sodas sold to those in attendance.
“This is the biggest event I’ve seen since I became involved in the club,” said Robert Belgarde, ASG club liaison.
While the puppies weren’t available for adoption at the event, they will be available for adoption at the shelter.
Puppies or dogs being brought into campuses around finals isn’t a random occurrence but happens with some frequency throughout the U.S. and Canada.
The exposure to the dogs can have real positive effects on students. Whether it’s decreasing stress, reducing anxiety, or even something as dramatic as lowering the stress hormone cortisol levels in people. t was easy to see that no one was concerned about anything other than seeing the puppies and getting a delicious Italian soda. Ear to ear smiles on nearly every face in the room, guy, woman, young and younger (someone brought toddlers). With the roaring success of this event it is obvious that dog is still man’s best friend.