Dogs provide stress release for Salisbury students

Dogs often referred to as man's best friend but they were students' best friends on Wednesday, at least  for the time being.

Paws Before Finals is organized by Pets On Wheels of Delmarva, Inc. The group of volunteer teams visit nursing homes, assisted living homes, homes for the handicapped, schools and other facilities.

For the past few years, coordinator Bev Horner says the organization has been bringing dogs to Salisbury University's campus as a sort of stress reducer. About ten dogs were brought Wednesday for students to stop by and pet as they approach a busy time ahead with final exams.

Past studies have shown pets can help people relax and reduce stress.

Kristen Arnett, a freshman at Salisbury University, says the dogs were definitely helpful. Arnett explains freshman year in general, has been a different transition going from high school to college.

"It's a lot of studying It's a lot of cramming in, so coming to this makes you forget everything that's going on for a little bit. It's like a big stress reliever so it's a lot of fun," she says.

Pets On Wheels of Delmarva, Inc. has been around for roughly two decades. You can learn more about their organization here.