Durham College (DC) students have the opportunity to take a pause from their studies on Monday, November 5 for a quick cuddle session with therapy dogs in the Solace Centre at the Oshawa campus.

Held twice a month in partnership with St. John’s Ambulance, the Paws and Cuddle event allows students the chance to spend quality time with a few furry friends to reduce stress and improve well-being.

“Animal-assisted therapy offers a number of different emotional benefits to students,” says Heather Bickle, health promotion coordinator at the Solace Centre and organizer of the event. “It can lessen the symptoms of depression or anxiety, decrease feelings of homesickness, or just provide students with comfort during a stressful time. We’ve had great feedback from students who have found the event fun and helpful to their overall health.”

Students can drop in to the Solace Centre anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. on Monday, November 5 for a friendly visit with the therapy dogs. The next Paws and Cuddle event takes place on Friday, November 23 at the same time.

Programming offered through DC’s Solace Centre aims to empower students to intentionally engage in their wellness by fostering their development of resilience and grit. The centre offers a wide range of programming and supports, with an emphasis on holistic education, harm reduction, personal welfare and social justice, believing in the inherent worth and potential for growth in all individuals.

For more information on the Solace Centre and its programming, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/solace