People experience a great deal of stress this time of year and pet therapy is one way to find relief and improve mental health. Dogs reduce levels of stress, anxiety and depression, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness. Canadians are particularly fond of the animal, with 35 per cent of households owning at least one dog, according to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

“They pick up on your feelings all the time. They know when you’re happy, they know when you’re sad and dogs will react to what your inner feelings are, even though you may not realize that you’re too stressed,” said Shannon Scheer, a professional dog handler.

Scheer is president of the Canadian Professional Dog Handlers Association and enters dogs into shows for a living. She visited Lethbridge to enter 12 dogs into a show, two of which are her own.

“Dogs just have a calming effect on people and that’s why so many people show dogs. They work with their dogs… Grooming is very therapeutic for some people with long coated breeds. It’s just more relaxing,” said Scheer.

St. John Ambulance runs a therapy dog program in Canada, which helps 120,000 people every year at hospitals, retirement homes and post-secondary institutions, according to its website.

“Each semester during final exams, we do an event called Doggy De-stress, which is a mental health event, and like it sounds, we bring dogs to campus for the students to play with,” said Michael Bartz, student life assistant at Lethbridge College.

For a four-day period during exams, 30 therapy dogs are brought into the college for students to play with and relieve some stress.

“If they’re going to school and they’re coming here… They really get a sense of home when they see a dog because it reminds them of their dog,” said Bartz, adding people who are not dog owners also benefit from the time with the animals.

Dog therapy does not just alleviate stress and mental health issues, according to St. John Ambulance, which has received reports of distraction from pain, improved social engagement and increased self-esteem.

“What I love about dogs is you come home and they light up and they’re so excited to see you. It’s a really good feeling,” said Bartz.

Students will have a chance to play with a canine or two during the next Doggy De-stress event, to be held on Dec. 9 to 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in TE 1228.