With midterms lurking and projects picking up steam, trained therapy dogs provided a break for Mount Saint Mary College students, faculty, and staff on Thursday, February 28.

Research has indicated that watching, petting, or talking to an animal can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Interacting with animals can also reduce mental distress, and lower anxiety levels – for example, during midterms for college students.

The animals came to the Mount via Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause. The popular event has become a tradition at Mount Saint Mary College, hosted in the Kaplan Family Library and Learning Center twice a semester.