Stress melts away as students at the University of South Florida Tampa campus gather on the lawn outside The Marshall Study Center, greeted by wagging tails and friendly faces.
The Paws and Relax event, hosted by the Center for Student Well-Being, brings together therapy dogs and their trainers to offer moments of comfort and connection during finals week. From a sprightly black Labrador named Hope to a gentle senior pug-chihuahua mix named Olive, the event is a heartwarming respite from academic pressures. Not only do they have adorable dogs for you to love on but you will find yourself mingling with other students and staff, enjoying good music, and stocking up on end of the semester necessities.
Kameron Talley, the Health Promotion & Well-Being Coordinator for the Center for Student Well-Being, oversees the Health Education Action Team (HEAT), which plays a key role in organizing events like this. HEAT promotes health education, including sexual health, substance education, mental health, and overall wellness. Through events, programs, and workshops, they aim to make a positive impact on campus life. Listen to the full interview with Kameron Talley below.
This semester’s Paws and Relax event featured 14 emotional support dogs of various breeds, ages, and sizes. These dogs, along with their owners and trainers, were brought to campus by organizations like Dogs Inc, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and Project Pup. Each dog had its unique story and personality, making them a joy to interact with for students and staff alike.
One of the standout pairs at the event was Jan and her dog Olive. Representing Project Pup, Jan, from Land O’ Lakes shared her heartwarming story about rescuing Olive, a 12-year-old pug-chihuahua mix. Now, Olive helps rescue others by offering her love and emotional support. Olive’s gentle demeanor and affectionate nature brought smiles to everyone she met.
Cecelia Ferguson and her mother, Marie, were also in attendance with their trainee service dog, Hope. The 18-month-old black Labrador is the Ferguson family’s third trainee through Dogs Inc. Cecelia described the rewarding but bittersweet experience of training service dogs. “It’s hard to say goodbye, but knowing the dogs are making a difference keeps us going,” she explained. One of their previous trainees now assists an owner with vision loss in Savannah, Georgia, while another spends sunny days on a boat with its family. Hope’s calm and attentive demeanor impressed everyone at the event, providing a glimpse into her bright future as a service dog.
The Paws and Relax event is more than just an opportunity to pet adorable dogs—it’s a testament to the importance of mental health and community support. By bringing together therapy animals, wellness resources, and the campus community, the Center for Student Well-Being creates a space for relaxation, connection, and joy. As finals week looms, students leave the event not only with wagging tails in their memories but also with a renewed sense of calm and readiness to tackle the challenges ahead. Nina Weiss was a student who got to enjoy the company of the dogs and this is her take on the event, “I was feeling very overwhelmed with finals and the end of the semester. Getting to sit in the sun with the dogs was a much needed break from reality. It was super relaxing and a great breather.”
Whether it’s Olive’s loving gaze or Hope’s promising future, the Paws and Relax event reminds us all of the powerful role that animals and community play in fostering well-being.
