The WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — in partnership with the Hearts of Gold Service Dog Program, Carruth Center, and Faculty and Staff Assistance Program — will host a monthly opportunity to destress with some puppy love.
The first Yappy Hour is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Mountainlair across from Which Which. Dogs from Hearts of Gold, along with counselors, will be available to interact with students, faculty and staff.
“Our graduate assistants came to me this year with the idea for Yappy Hour,” said Meshea L. Poore, vice president for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “I’ve been impressed with their insights and creativity in finding ways for us to reach out to our campus community in these stress-filled times. Whenever I see a colleague’s or a student’s pet pop up in a Zoom meeting, it brings a bit of happiness and a reminder of good things in life. We are excited to be able to help provide some of this joy in-person this semester through Yappy Hour.”
Events like Yappy Hour can help people who are experiencing stress or anxiety, according to experts.
“There is a growing body of research that supports the mental and physical health benefits of spending time with pets,” said Janie Howser, director, WVU Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. “It’s been shown to decrease stress hormones (cortisol), decrease blood pressure, and decrease loneliness.”
T. Anne Hawkins, director of the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, agrees and says there are many ways stress and circumstances in our world can impact our mental health.
“Providing the opportunity to interact and connect with these service dogs is one way we can make a difference,” Hawkins said. “We know that connecting with service dogs creates a welcome pause during busy semesters. These critical visits can help ease stress, loneliness and provide fun distraction! We are excited to be a partner in this outreach to our campus community.”
Robert Hartford, project manager for the Hearts of Gold Service Dog program says he and his staff get very positive feedback from students, faculty and staff.
“Our therapy visitation dogs have been so well received by everyone,” Hartford said. “We hear from people that they seek out the therapy dogs in between classes just to get a quick pet or hug.”
Additional dates and times for Yappy Hour this fall:
Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Evansdale Crossing
Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 9-11 a.m., Health Sciences Center
Thursday, Dec. 9, from 1-3 p.m., Mountainlair