For dog handlers and owners like Katie Rodella and Marsha Robbins, volunteering with Hug-a-Hound is serviceable for students. The two of them remember what it was like to be a college student, and they truly believe it is beneficial for the dogs and those attending.

“Students get to meet dogs while also meeting new friends. It’s a way for people to get out of their dorms and relax,” Rodella said during the event.

The pups arrived on campus on Oct. 8 starting at 9:30 a.m. and stayed for an hour in the Lawrence Hall lobby.

While Hug-A-Hound is an event that took place in previous semesters, the program has been adjusted with some minor changes to best fit the needs of students. In an attempt to reach the maximum amount of students, the dogs visit twice every month. The times will also vary between morning and afternoon.

Taffie Bucci, Point Park’s University Counselor and the coordinator of Hug-A-Hound, also said that the event is a valuable experience for students on campus. It implements a change in the daily routine, while allowing students to unwind and enjoy the company of an animal.

“One of the reasons dogs are often therapy animals or support animals is that being around a pet provides a person with unconditional love and acceptance,” Bucci said. “Pets don’t make judgments about them. They provide a consistent temperament.”

Bucci also noted that Hug-A-Hound events are purposely being scheduled around the time of finals week, as it can be a stressful time for students.

“It reduces some anxiety. Interacting with pets is a way to come back to the moment,” Bucci said. “So if you’re having a lot of anxiety, and you start to engage with a pup and spend time petting them, you find the anxiety decreases.”

Point Park students were all smiles during Thursday’s Hug-A-Hound event. Groups laughed together while petting the dogs and swapping stories about the animals they have at home. Those in attendance agreed that Hug-A-Hound events help to deal with missing home and their own pets.

“The dogs are so loving. It’s a different kind of personal connection,”  said freshman journalism major  Anntonietta Borzacchiello. “College isn’t just about learning. It’s about experiences like this. It’s about companionship and creating connections.”

Hug-A-Hound had previously been scheduled twice for the month of September, but due to the closing of the Liberty Bridge, it was hard for volunteers to get into the city. One of the events had to be canceled.

The next Hug-A-Hound event is scheduled for the afternoon of Oct. 19. It will take place in Lawrence Hall lobby from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

For updates on future Hug-A-Hound events, students are encouraged to check out Point Park University Student Counseling Center on Facebook. Email reminders are also sent by Bucci days prior to the event.