In Photos: Therapy pets come to the U

By Chris Samuels

December 9, 2015

In the midst of finals week, two groups hope to make life a little easier for U students.

Therapy Animals of Utah, a nonprofit group, is coming to campus on three occasions this week to offer therapy pets to students who need stress relief from finals. They were at the social work building from 11 am to 1 pm today, and will be at the U Counseling Center in the Student Services Building Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm and next Thursday at the medical library at the same time.

There are 68 volunteer handlers and pets that work in the program, according to the group’s executive director, Debbie Carr. Humans and animals undergo nine hours of training and must pass a 22-check test to determine if the animals are docile and kind enough to interact with humans before they can become therapy animals.

Intermountain Healthcare will also bring therapy animals to the U, tonight and tomorrow night from 7 to 9 pm at the Marriott Library.

Stella, a golden retriever, meets students with her handler Karen Piotrowski, left, as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Stella, a golden retriever, meets students with her handler Karen Piotrowski, left, as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Stella, a golden retriever, meets students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Stella, a golden retriever, meets students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Jessica Luttrell, a senior in psychology and exercise and sports science, meets Stella, a golden retriever, as part of Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Jessica Luttrell, a senior in psychology and exercise and sports science, meets Stella, a golden retriever, as part of Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Stella, a golden retriever, meets students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Misty, a Portuguese water dog, meets students with her handler Mary Ridges, left, as part of Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Misty, a Portuguese water dog, meets students with her handler Mary Ridges, left, as part of Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Mr. Parker, a shetland sheepdog, meets students with her handler Debbie Carr, center, as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Mr. Parker, a shetland sheepdog, meets students with her handler Debbie Carr, center, as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Mr. Parker, a shetland sheepdog, is petted by students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Mr. Parker, a shetland sheepdog, is petted by students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Mr. Parker, a shetland sheepdog, is petted by students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Mr. Parker, a shetland sheepdog, is petted by students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Mr. Parker, a shetland sheepdog, is petted by students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Mr. Parker, a shetland sheepdog, is petted by students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Madison Korous, left, a freshman in architecture, pets Mr. Happy as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Madison Korous, left, a freshman in architecture, pets Mr. Happy as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Mr. Happy is petted by students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the social work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. — Mr. Happy is petted by students as part of a visit by Therapy Animals of Utah at the Social Work building, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

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