For the past few semesters, Intermountain Therapy Animals has brought four-legged friends to Southern Utah University’s Gerald R. Sherratt Library once a week for Therapy Dog Tuesday. Their visit this week lands on Election Day.
Therapy Dog Tuesday was established as a reoccuring event in Spring 2023 to help students decompress with certified therapy dogs in the middle of their school day, which has become especially relevant during election season.
While life always has its stressors, a study by the American Psychological Association shows that the percentage of adults in the United States struggling with political anxiety has risen to 69% during the 2024 election cycle. SUU’s campus is no exception to that.
“[There is] so much anxiety. Everyone comes in and they say ‘What can I do? Where can I vote? This is just a lot,’” said Abby Bedont, an SUU student who works in The Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service. “A lot of people don’t want to vote because it’s just so stressful.”
Having the therapy dogs in on Election Day can be a useful resource for students worried about Tuesday’s results.
Emily Dean, an Anthropology professor at SUU and also a member of the Intermountain Therapy Animals team, has been bringing her dog Pippa to the school for 3 years now and understands the benefits the program has on students.
“Numerous studies show that positive interactions between therapy dogs, such as Pippa, and stressed out individuals, such as students at election season or final exams, can decrease blood pressure, reduce anxiety and enhance feelings of well being,” said Dean. “Less technically, I think petting an animal and getting some affection in return can help ground us and get us out of our heads. Animals provide perspective checks.”
The therapy dogs will be available on the first floor of the library from 3 to 4 p.m. and again from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. this Tuesday and following weeks of the semester. For additional resources, head over to the Leavitt Center, the Health and Wellness Center or set up an appointment with SUU’s Counseling and Psychological Services.
Author: Heather Turner
Editor: Anna Mower
Copy Editor: Kayd Johanson
Photos courtesy of Mavis the Library Dog
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