Campus Life bringing “pet therapy” to residence halls

By Meredith Mason ’14

With the stress of the fall semester piling on, the Office of Campus Life has teamed up with Dr. Robin Hoffmann, chairwoman of the Department of Administration of Justice, to bring some “pet therapy” to Salve Regina’s residence halls.

Sasha, Hoffmann’s miniature poodle, is a certified therapy dog that has been trained specifically to work with people. Next week, the pair will stop by Miley Hall to visit residents on the second and third floors.

Jenn Rosa, assistant director of campus life, says that Sasha’s visits help students who may be feeling homesick, or missing their own family pet. Resident Advisers notify their students of the upcoming visit opportunities so they can leave their doors open if they want to say hello.

The Office of Campus Life has also organized two dates to host therapy dogs from the Potter League to come and interact with students. They are also hoping to sponsor a stress buster finals party with Sasha and Hoffmann before the start of finals week.

Upcoming dates:

• Sasha – 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 in the Miley Hall second and third floor common areas
• Potter League – 6-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 and Monday, Dec. 2 in the Miley Hall garden level lounge