For the past few weeks, Health Heelers Inc. brought in therapy dogs (and a cat) to UWM for animal therapy sessions for students. The first session was held at the Golda Meir Library on Apr. 5 and in the Fireside Lounge in the Union on Apr. 13, where large numbers of students showed up to play with the furry companions.

Health Heelers, founded in 2005 by Laura Hay, focuses on helping students and others in need of stress relief through animal therapy in a safe environment. UWM is one of many schools that Health Heelers and Hay have visited.

“It’s so wonderful to be here,” said Hay “I’m delighted to see Health Heelers was able to bring this service to UWM and to such a large student body, faculty and staff.”

There will be another therapy dog event on May 12 in the Golda Meir Library for students to destress during finals week.

If interested, Health Heelers accepts applications for volunteers. The link to the application is here.

Below is a photo gallery of the students with the therapy dogs.

 

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Three students pet a therapy dog at the Golda Meir Library

 

A group of students learn about therapy dogs while petting one of them.
A group of students learn about therapy dogs while petting one of them.

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A therapy dog says hello to a couple of students.

 

A group of students pet the therapy cat while
A group of students pet the therapy cat while

 

A student hugs a therapy dog in the Library.
A student hugs a therapy dog in the Library.

 

Kelly Wolff, an occupational therapy major, says hello to one of the dogs.
Kelly Wolff, an occupational therapy major, says hello to one of the dogs.

 

A student pets Cooper, one of the therapy dogs.
A student pets Cooper, one of the therapy dogs.

 

Egee Xiong, pre-veterinary major, scratches a dog’s chin while petting him.
Egee Xiong, pre-veterinary major, scratches a dog’s chin while petting him.

 

Two students pet one of dogs in the Fireside lounge
Two students pet one of dogs in the Fireside lounge

 

Two female students pet a therapy dog while his owner looks over.
Two female students pet a therapy dog while his owner looks over.

 

Abby Stein, a nutritional science major pets one of the dogs, Cooper.
Abby Stein, a nutritional science major pets one of the dogs, Cooper.