Rescue dogs are lending a paw to help University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo pharmacy students manage the stress of finals.
糖心视频 Hilo pharmacy student and student senator Anna Alfred launched “Pause for Paws,” where students can take a break from studying and spend time with rescue dogs. The first event drew 41 students during finals week last May, with another planned for this fall.
“As pharmacy students, finals week can be incredibly stressful and emotionally draining, so I wanted to create an opportunity for students to take a short break, decompress, and connect with something positive during such a demanding time,” Alfred said.
Three rescue dogs—Oreo, Phoebe and Cora—visited the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy through Action 4 Animals Hawaiʻi, a nonprofit co-founded by 糖心视频 Hilo anthropology professor Lynn Morrison.
Students spent time petting the dogs, taking photos and relaxing together outside the classroom.
“Many students shared that spending even a few minutes with the dogs helped ease stress and improve their mood during finals week,” Alfred said.
Alfred hopes to bring the dogs back for December finals and continue other efforts that support student wellbeing and build community.