Paws Across Texas (PAT) and their therapy dogs will be in the West Library Orientation Room from 12:30- 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4. Paws Across Texas "provide(s) diversified therapy programs using trained volunteers (representatives) and their privately owned companion animals (registered therapy dogs)."

Research shows that therapy animals can help alleviate stress and anxiety students often feel from school, and especially around finals. According to an article in Psychology Today, "when a person pets a friendly and familiar dog... that person's blood pressure lowered, heart rate slowed, breathing became more regular and muscle tension relaxed-all of which are signs of reduced stress."

While this is a free event for students, staff and faculty, PAT is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization, and will be accepting donations.