The Department of Library Services (DLS) in collaboration with TOP Dogs emBARKed on a journey to provide three animal-assisted therapy sessions to the University of Pretoria (UP) students and staff ahead of a stressful examination period on two campuses, namely Prinshof and Hatfield.

With this initiative, the DLS is prioritising the emotional well-being of all students and staff ahead of a stressful period as research indicates that human-animal interaction has a relaxation and stress reduction effect on people. 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 and universities.

The therapy sessions received an overwhelming response from students and staff who graced the lawns in their numbers. Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tawana Kupe, Vive-principal of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education Prof Sunil Maharaj, the DLS Director, Lindiwe Soyizwapi and Deputy Directors Modisa Khosie and Anna Siwela were also present and were part of the fun and much needed warm canine hugs. Elsabe Olivier, Assistant Director: Marketing and Quality Assurance at the DLS highlighted the value these therapy sessions bring to students during the exam period. She concluded by saying “we will definitely be hosting more of these sessions going forward, especially during the mid-year and end-year exam periods”.

There was also great interest and engagement in the initiative among students on the UP Library’s social media pages. Some of the comments received are captured below:

“Thank you for having us, really enjoyed every moment”

“Dog days = the best days”

“Brilliant idea! My son loved it!”

“This is so exciting!”

“I’m so excited. The only reason I came to UP”

“This looks amazing. Please bring them to the Groenkloof campus”

“Thank you so much for the therapy session, it was lovely”

The images and reels are a testament to the joy that these therapy dogs brought to campus! View them here:

• Prinshof campus 4 October 2022: Instagram reel and Facebook images
• Hatfield campus 11 October 2022: Instagram reel and Facebook images
• Hatfield campus 20 October 2022: Instagram reel, Instagram images, and Facebook images

The DLS is very excited about the impact it’s making on students and staff through these therapy sessions. Join in on the fun and watch the highlight video here.

The dog handlers and their dogs at the session 

Vice-Principal of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education Prof Sunil Maharaj and the DLS Director, Lindiwe Soyizwapi 

A student meeting the Beagle, Bella

Love is hugging a dog!

One of the students receiving puppy kisses!