Hospitality business and English sophomore Michelle Daniels said she jumped at the opportunity to support the shelter, “especially since these dogs don’t have families.”

Shaw Hall assistant community director Ardella Williams said the event raised about $251 for the Capital Area Humane Society.

“A lot of people were just really excited to come down, and they left thankful that they got to hang out with the animals,” she said.

MSU alumna Lindsay Sandusky, the humane educator for the animal shelter, said the event was beneficial for the students, the animals and the shelter.

“It’s an opportunity for us to do a little bit of fundraising and give back to these animals (and) it’s really just a chance (for students) to unravel, relax, do something warm and fuzzy,” Sandusky said.

Sandusky said interaction with a dog can mimic the experiences students have at home.

There’s a plethora of research that demonstrates human interaction with animals, not just dogs, can reduce stress and anxiety. A service at the Los Angeles International Airport began this year where therapy dogs are led around the airport, bringing relief to stressed-out travelers.

Finance sophomore Dalton Drumm said petting dogs brings back what he lost at MSU.

“Being away from home makes me miss animals, so it’s a good way to relieve some stress,” Drumm said.
There’s a plethora of research that demonstrates human interaction with animals, not just dogs, can reduce stress and anxiety. A service at the Los Angeles International Airport began this year where therapy dogs are led around the airport, bringing relief to stressed-out travelers.

Finance sophomore Dalton Drumm said petting dogs is relaxing to him because he grew up loving animals.

“Being away from home makes me miss animals, so it’s a good way to relieve some stress,” Drumm said. “I feel very dog-deprived (at MSU).”