Service dogs to help students de-stress leading up to finals week
11/25/2013
Edmonds College students will have a chance to take some pressure off themselves the week before finals as the college and Summit Assistance Dogs present a de-stress event 11 am.-2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, in Brier Hall on campus, 20000 68th Ave. W.
“Many colleges and universities are developing similar programs to help students through
finals week,” said Summit’s executive director, Sue Meinzinger. “Research shows that
interaction with pets can decrease the level of cortisol —or stress hormone — in people,
while at the same time increasing the good endorphins.”
“This is a great opportunity to support an organization that’s helping individuals
with disabilities,” said Edmonds CC President Jean Hernandez, who was instrumental
in bringing the event to campus. “I see this as great for both of us, as Summit can
give their dogs further training in a populated area. It also gives our students an
opportunity to de-stress as they get ready to go into their finals week.”
Summit Assistance Dogs, based in Anacortes, is a nonprofit organization founded in
2000 in response to the overwhelming need for more trained service dogs. More than
55 million Americans live with various disabilities, and the national average waiting
time to receive a service dog is two to five years.
Edmonds CC's fall quarter ends Dec. 12. Winter quarter is Jan. 6-March 21, with registration
going on now.