The Center for Health and Counseling Services hosted a therapy animal visit last Thursday from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy.
Creature Comfort, located out of Morristown, is a non-profit organization that works to “enhance people’s lives through therapeutic visits with caring volunteers and their pets,” as stated in their mission statement.
Volunteer manager Karen brought her golden retriever Bella, and member Lauren brought her mini rex mix rabbit Snickers.
Three-year-old Bella loves to play fetch, go swimming and hold hands. She was originally with a different family “but they were never home,” according to Karen.
“They did the best thing for her and rehomed her to me, and now she’s a therapy dog and spends her days visiting people,” she said.
Three-and-a-half-year-old Snickers loves fruit, napping and getting treats. He has been with Lauren since he was five months old. Out of his entire rabbit family, Snickers was the best for pet therapy because he was originally in a school.
“A sixth grade teacher [had adopted him] and brought him in during the week, and that’s how he got used to people so early,” Lauren said. “Because he was so used to people and groups of kids, it was like a perfect match.”
Students could book 15-minute slots with Bella and Snickers in the new Wellness Room. Megan Johnston, Ramapo’s health educator, said that with the therapy animals, she hopes “to reduce student stress” and “promote positive feelings.”
College is by no means easy, and missing pets can be a contributing factor. By participating in these therapy animal visits, students can relax and ease those feelings.
“I’m a little stressed and I wanted to pet some cute animals,” junior Jordan Rivera said about why he visited. Snickers and Bella welcomed his pets.
There will be four more upcoming visits with Creature Comfort through Counseling Services, as well as two extra in partnership with the Center for Student Involvement.
Book a reservation in the wellness room (E-216) on Feb. 20, March 5, or Apr. 3 and 16, or head to the grove on May 1 and 8 from 1-3 p.m. to experience the cuteness.
ajones11@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Amanda Jones
