The Summit County Humane Society and its Mobile Adoption Center, full of cats and dogs, visited students outside of Merrill Hall, looking to alleviate their midterm stress.
Trinity Head, an adoption counselor for the Summit County Humane Society, said the “Mid-term Destress Event,” which took place between 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, offered students the chance to pet dogs and cats, relieving stress with their therapeutic effects.
“We brought out our animals to hopefully give students a bit of a break to take their mind off their classes and their exams, and just spend some time with the animals,” Head said.
The Mobile Adoption Center’s visit also served as a way to help Humane Society animals, like orange and white 9-year-old cat Granddaddy Longlegs, find homes.
From inside the Mobile Adoption Center, Longlegs caught the attention of freshmen criminology and justice studies major Mackenzie Blamer, who was looking to adopt the cat.
“Thanks to our fully fitted-out van, they are able to be adopted straight from here whenever we go out with one of them,” Head said.
Inside the van, Longlegs and three other cats sat inside individual cages, while outside, two dogs played and cuddled with students.
For some, like Kamdyn Riedel, a sophomore criminology and justice studies major, the dogs made her feel less homesick during stressful times like midterms.
“I love the dogs so much. They’re so, so sweet. They’re reminding me of my dog, and I wish I could take one home with me,” she said.
Following the Humane Society’s visit, Riedel felt cheered up and less stressed from playing with the animals.
Although these pets brightened students’ day, Head wants students to remember the importance of contacting the Humane Society when dealing with sick, injured, stray, abused or neglected animals.
“If you see something, just report it, even if you think that it might not be as serious as you think,” she said. “It could always be serious.”
Adriana Gasiewski is the general assignment editor. Contact her at [email protected].
