Ed. Note: The following is a news release provided by College of the Canyons. 

Academy of the Canyons and College of the Canyons students received a special visit from Guide Dogs for the Blind puppies to promote the guide dog promote and help the students relieve some stress before finals.

“Having the puppies on the campus for the students and staff to enjoy helps promote a fun and relaxing environment,” said Dr. Pete Getz, principal of Academy of the Canyons.  “This is critical in maintaining an emotionally stable and safe environment for our community during the grueling finals at COC and AOC.

Approximately 200 students took a few minutes out of their day to pet the puppies and learn from their handlers how the animals help the blind.  Once the dogs complete their training they will be assigned to an individual in need.

USA Today reported several universities and colleges, including Harvard Medical School and Yale Law School, make puppies available to students to reduce stress.  Research shows interactions with pets decreases cortisol levels (stress hormone) and increases endorphins (happy hormone).

“The students had the wonderful opportunity to put all school work aside and interact with a lovable animal,” Getz said.

Administrators will decide if the interactions were a success during finals week and whether the guide dogs will be brought back.