Wellness Unleashed: Support Activities for Student Well-Being and Therapy Dogs

The U-M Library is more than a hub for information – it’s a welcoming gathering place where students find support and community, and wellness and learning go hand in hand. For years, our partnership with Therapaws of Michigan has brought trained therapy dogs and their generous volunteer handlers to our spaces during high-stress times like midterms and finals, offering students comfort, connection and support. Help us expand beloved programs like Therapy Dogs and Student Wellbeing events, and make the Library a center for wellness as well as learning!

The Therapy Dog and Student Well-Being Program has become a cherished tradition across campus. For several years, the U-M Library’s twice-a-semester events have provided a comforting oasis during high-stress periods like midterms and finals. Judging by the long lines of students eagerly awaiting to snuggle up with our canine companions, it’s clear there’s a real need for opportunities to decompress – and the Library is proud to have organized this impactful program for years.

If you pass by the Shapiro Library during a Wellness Day with Therapy Dogs, you’ll see students joyfully throwing down their backpacks and sinking into the embrace of these sweet pups. For many students, especially those still finding community at U-M, these dogs offer a warm and accepting presence – sometimes, the only touch or comfort they might receive all week. The therapy dogs are specially trained to sense and comfort those around them, expertly making connections, even amidst a crowd. It’s common for these moments to spark conversations about their own pets, and the homes and families they miss, creating space for shared stories and emotional support.

With the extreme popularity of this program the Library would like to build on its success and expand the wellness programming with additional services. Your gift will support new initiatives like pop-up well-being spaces with healthy snacks, sensory kits, and new relaxation stations that could feature neck massages, sound baths, and other fun ways to connect. Your vote amplifies a program that is available to every U-M student.

Thank you for helping us support our students’ comfort, connection, and overall well-being – one wagging tail at a time!