By SETH HAMMES
Tiger Media Network
With finals week around the corner, many students are stressed out trying to get through each day. To help combat this stressful time, Keren the Comfort Dog returned to campus and was a welcome relief for many students who stopped to give her pets.
On Wednesday, Immanuel Lutheran Church Charities brought Keren to the Memorial Union for another visit. This was not the first time Keren had made an appearance on campus. While her goal is the same: to provide students with emotional support and comfort, her purpose is more needed now than ever. Keren’s visits on campus may furnish a sense of comfort, encouraging constructive social interaction among students leading to a more supportive environment during a potentially isolating period.
One particular student had an alleviating experience when interacting with Keren the comfort dog. Elyssa Rucker, a student in the FHSU Honors College, has a long history with anxiety. Sometimes she has problems dealing with her anxiety, because she often does not realize she is anxious.
“I don’t really recognize that I have anxiety or I’m anxious unless I’m doing a self-check-in. But, when I walked up to Keren, she actually closed the distance with me, because she could sense the anxiety I had,” Rucker said. “Then I started petting her, and I started to feel de-stressed, almost feeling the anxiety itself falling asleep.”
Rucker’s personal interaction with Keren reminded her it is important to check in with herself, and make sure that she is in a safe and healthy mindset. She feels that everyone’s feelings are different, but others might feel similar. With her experience being a student, Rucker was able to share how she feels Keren may help other students in their stressful final weeks.
“It’s a small de-stressor. It’s one thing to help you get along,” Rucker said. “It may not completely get rid of your stress or anxiety, but it will definitely help you along the way.
Keren’s presence was a beneficial resource for passing-by students, as well as others she comforts all around the world. While these interactions can be beneficial, they are just one of many tools available to students for managing stress.
If a student is experiencing more intense stress, Health and Wellness Services is in Room 301 on the 3rd Floor of the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success. They offer options for a wide range of mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, college transition, drug and alcohol use, grief, and relationship issues. More information can be found here.