Marian University provides many outlets for student therapy engagement ranging from crafts to counseling. One avenue for students to destress is pet therapy. Karma is the resident therapy dog that is brought in two to three times a week.

Karma is a labradoodle who has been coming to Marian since she was eight weeks old and is now five and a half years old. She is given free rein to all the offices. Students who come in are normally greeted by her and allowed to use the little treats placed around to feed her.

According to “Therapy Dogs Help Students Cope with the Stress of College Life” an article published in the Wayne State student newspaper, the advantages of cuddling a fluffy animal, include stress relief and comfort and allowing students to get a better sense of belonging. Pet therapy also decreases the feeling of homesickness, loneliness, and anxiety.

Keirsten Roath, Staff Counselor at Counseling and Consultation Services and owner of Karma, said, “we have noticed the vast majority of students respond really well to her… Students become calmer petting animals,” Freshmen who are missing their homes and their pets have felt better after cuddling Karma.

To know what days Karma will be in, sign up for the email list or follow Karma’s Instagram; @karma_Korner. Those who want to get even more involved can be trained to take Karma out of walks when needed. Karma is one of many dogs on campus for students to interact with.

Love on a Leash Indianapolis chapter is a nationwide organization designed to bring the comfort and healing of animals to the public through volunteers and trained pets. Love on a Leash is another avenue to interact with therapy dogs. The chapter returned to Marian after a short break on Thursday, the 27th.

The event is every Thursday from 12 pm to 1 pm at the Evans Center. Students have greatly benefited from therapy dogs being provided when times are rough.

Samantha Smith, a senior double majoring in Biology and Public Health, said that after her surgery, being able to interact with a big golden retriever therapy dog significantly improved her mood. Smith said, “I was never raised with dogs, but just something about having the presence of that therapy dog there, it brightens up your mood.”

Love on a Leash is scheduled to revisit campus on November 3rd, 8th, and 10th of this year. Learn more by visiting their listing on connect. However, if students are struggling in ways cuddling a therapy dog can not mend, visit the Counseling and Consultation Services to set up an appointment.