Leadership hosted its annual Furry Friends event in the Rally Court during lunch on Thursday, Dec. 5. Volunteers affiliated with Furry Friends brought their pets on campus to help students and staff unwind before the end of first semester. Booths were set up across the Rally Court, where students were able to pet various dogs, and their handlers were close by for assistance. 

Volunteer Elizabeth Biale, who brought one of her Newfoundland dogs to the event, has been actively involved in Furry Friends for the past seven years. She finds this event useful for helping students de-stress and step away from school-related issues. 

“It helps people take a break as they get to be in the moment with a dog who loves to be pet,” Biale said. “People can forget about whatever stressors are on them and just have a moment of breaks from worrying about schools, grades and finals.”

The event offered a relaxing and heartwarming experience, with participants taking turns petting and interacting with the dogs. Senior Prisha Balan shared her appreciation for the event and expressed how it let her decompress during a stressful week.

“Having the therapy dogs here is such a great way to take a mental health break,” Balan said. “It’s like they just know how to make you feel better.”