Take a study break, reduce stress levels, and increase wellness with FURst Tuesday. For the final time this academic year, the SRVC is proud to partner with Love on a Leash for FURst Tuesday. Come visit with the therapy dogs. Therapy dogs offer a range of psychological, emotional, and even physiological benefits for students under stress.

FURst Tuesday will be from 6-7 p.m. at the Sexual & Relationship Violence Center in the Garland Center, Suite 113, located at 640 N. Garland, next to Subway.

Here are the key advantages:

1. Stress Reduction

• Immediate calming effects: Simply petting or interacting with a therapy dog can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin, promoting a sense of calm.

• Break from academic pressure: Dogs provide a light-hearted, judgment-free interaction that offers a mental break from studying.

2. Improved Mood

• Boosts serotonin and dopamine: These "feel-good" neurotransmitters increase when students interact with animals, improving mood.

• Decreases feelings of isolation: Many students feel lonely or homesick, especially during finals; dogs offer comfort and companionship. And being a public event, this is a great chance to connect with some other students one more time before summer break begins after final exams. 

3. Enhanced Academic Performance (Indirectly)

• Better focus after stress relief: A calmer mind can lead to more effective studying and test performance.

• Improved sleep and well-being: Reduced stress can improve sleep quality, which is critical during exams.

4. Encourages Social Interaction

• Community building: Dog visits create informal social hubs, helping students interact with peers in a relaxed setting.

• Decreased anxiety in social settings: For students with social anxiety, therapy dogs can serve as comforting "icebreakers."

5. Accessible and Inclusive Support

• Low-barrier mental health support: Some students hesitant to seek counseling services may still benefit from animal-assisted therapy.

• Support for neurodivergent students: Students with autism, ADHD, or anxiety disorders may especially benefit from the sensory and emotional grounding dogs provide.

Snacks will also be available. Come by the Sexual & Relationship Violence Center anytime between 6 and 7 p.m. The event is drop in, so you can stay as long or as little as your schedule permits. In the event of rain, the event will be moved inside the SRVC.