A welcomed distraction
Humane Society helps NSU students take needed break
It’s not every day you find a potbellied pig hanging out with dogs in a library. But that’s exactly what Nova Southeastern University students caught a glimpse of during finals week.
The four-legged visitors were a welcome distraction recently for students in the university’s Health Professions Division. The experience was made possible by the Humane Society of Broward County’s animal-assisted therapy program.
Steve Roberts, circulation manager at the NSU library, reached out to the organization to help create the event. Roberts said he found out many other schools were conducting similar programs to help provide a much-needed break for students in between test times.
“I think it has been a massive success,” Roberts said. “You can see it on their faces. Normally when they come into the library they are a little tense. Here there is laughter and smiles.”
Rori Halpern, who brought Wilbur the pig, said the pig is used to these kinds of gatherings and is comfortable around people.
Terry Morrow brought her dog, Katie, into the library dressed festively for Christmas. Along with being a volunteer, she is also the assistant dean of student affairs within the University’s College of Health Sciences. She participates in the Wags & Tales program at the Alvin Sherman Library on campus and brings Katie to Kidz Corner, a children’s hospital in Plantation. Morrow said she knows the positive impact animal interactions can have.
“We walked in, and there were tons of students in the area,” she said. “They were waiting for the dogs and pig to be here. It’s a stress reliever. Just a couple of minutes, and it can make a difference.”
Student Samar Eisa is enrolled in the biomedical sciences program.
“We came to see the pig so he can make us happy,” she said. “I think it’s good to help us de-stress a little bit in the middle of taking our exams. Everyone is excited about it.”
Fellow student Radha Patel has never had a pet, but has an affinity for animals. When she got word about a pig on campus she had to see for herself.
“It’s really great to have the animals here,” Patel said. “They are so friendly. I was petting the pig, and he was really nice.”