By Katlin Sweeney

Features Editor

If you have been spending long hours studying for your finals and are already feeling the stress, “Pause For Paws” is the study break for you.

On Dec. 6, students will be visited by the members of Love on a Leash: Foundation For Pet-Provided Therapy. There will be a dozen certified therapy dogs of all sizes from the foundation on campus.

These animal ‘therapists’ are specialized in helping students get their minds stress-free to relax for a few hours. CSUSM is one of many college campuses that are using animals to help students cope with the pressure to do well on exams.

“Many campuses inSan Diego, including SDSU, and around the country have similar events.YaleLawSchoollibrary even provides a dog-lending program!” Outreach Librarian Melanie Chu said.

For the fourth consecutive semester, Kellogg Library is bringing these therapy dogs on campus to give students a study break. CSUSM considers helping their students succeed while making sure they do not become overwhelmed is one of their top priorities when it comes to exam time.

“Numerous research studies have shown that the simple act of petting a dog releases the ‘feel good’ hormone, oxytocin, and lowers blood pressure. Therapy dogs work with nursing homes, hospitals, veterans, public libraries—so we wanted to bring them to CSUSM too!”Chusaid.

Make sure to take the necessary study breaks to keep yourself refreshed and focused for your upcoming finals. Pause For Paws will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 6 at the third floor main entrance to Kellogg Library near Starbucks.