The Department of Library Services (DLS) in collaboration with
TOP Dogs is emBARKing on a journey to provide animal-assisted therapy to the University of Pretoria students and staff ahead of a stressful examination period.
Research indicates that human-animal interaction has a relaxation and stress reduction effect even after as little as 5 minutes of interaction with a therapy dog. Although animal-assisted therapy is mainly used in healthcare and elderly care settings, more and more modern international academic and public libraries use therapy dogs as a way of engaging in student interaction. Some of the benefits include:
The primary objective of TOP Dogs is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing their dogs with those in hospitals, care facilities, and other institutions such as schools. Therapy dogs are carefully selected and fully trained, and their role is to provide emotional support to people. They are calm, friendly, and well-mannered and registered with a therapy dog group such as TOP Dogs. With this initiative, the DLS is prioritising the emotional well-being of all students and staff ahead of a stressful period. Show TOP Dogs your love by making any small cash donation.
The sessions will take place from 12:00 – 13:00 on the following dates:
04 October 2022 – Prinshof Campus on the lawn in front of the BMS Library: Come meet Beagles Bentley, Rolo and Bella, Labradors Cadbury, Bellah and Bruno and Golden Retriever Haskia.
11 October 2022 – Hatfield Campus on the lawn in front of the Merensky 2 Library: Come meet Beagle Rolo, Labradors Coco, Cadbury, Xavy, Bellah and Bruno, Golden Retriever Odelle and Weimaraner Maja.
20 October 2022 – Hatfield Campus on the lawn in front of the Merensky 2 Library: Come meet Beagle Rolo, Labradors Coco, Bellah and Bruno, Golden Retrievers Odelle and Fenton and Weimaraner Maja.
We’re looking forward to emBARKing on this journey with you!
Virtual Campus
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App