LCC students enjoy visit from therapy dogs

Students preparing for finals at Lansing Community College got a much needed reprieve from studying when Therapy Dogs International (TDI) paid a visit to the Gannon Building. Medical science shows that interaction with a therapy dog can reduce blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue and depression while promoting physical healing. The team at TDI are volunteer handlers that are dedicated to providing calm and comfort with each therapy dog visit. The organization has over 24,000 registered dog/handler teams spanning all 50 states and Canada. Some dogs have pedigrees, while others are rescue dogs, or adopted from local shelters. All animals are tested and evaluated for temperament and suitability for work as a therapy dog. LCC Events and Communications Coordinator Kelly Ann Hekler says, students were so excited to see the therapy dogs. After giving a few belly rubs and receiving a few paw shakes students felt relaxed and ready to tackle finals. “I heard a student say this is the best day of my life. Their faces really lit up when they saw the dogs.” The visit from TDI has been the hit of finals week, for students and employees alike. About Lansing Community College Lansing Community College, founded in 1957, is the fifth-largest community college in Michigan, serving more than 25,000 students across a six-county area each year. LCC offers courses in general education for those interested in transferring to a four-year institution, career and workforce development, developmental education and personal enrichment. To meet the professional development and training needs of regional employees, the college offers customized programs for credit, non-credit and continuing education. The University Center at LCC offers students the opportunity to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from five partner universities on the downtown LCC campus. For more information, visit lcc.edu.