Myla Shashiki, Contributing Writer
On April 18, students at Saint Leo’s University Main Campus enjoyed the company of many different animals during “Zooeyia,” an event sponsored by the College of Education and Social Services. From 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, attendees interacted with various animals located in different spots across campus.
K9s, service and therapy dogs could be found alongside their handlers on Kirk Lawn and beside the fountain in front of the Tapia College of Business building. When visiting the latter location, attendees had the chance to interact with and pet a mini horse brought by Honey’s Mini Horse Therapy Adventures. This organization has visited Saint Leo in the past. At the Bowl, they could see members of the Academy of the Farm 4-H Club presenting animals such as goats, pigs, chickens, and a rabbit.
Similar events have occurred on campus before, especially with finals week approaching. It seeks to help stressed students take a break from their usually busy routines and relieve some of the tension their academic obligations might be causing them. Animals, in particular, have proven to be great providers of mental health benefits for us.
“I struggled badly with anxiety and depression and having my dogs and doing sports with them kept me active, kept my mind focused, and brought me a lot of joy,” shared Marie Macher, handler of one of the dogs present at Zooeyia.
Students seem to be similarly aware of these benefits, sharing a positive opinion of the event.
“I think this event is a nice change of pace, coming out and seeing the different animals. I’ve heard that if you have a pet or pet an animal, it releases the tension, making you happier,” said Tierra Doughty, a sophomore majoring in computer science with a minor in art.
Zooeyia also provided comfort to those missing their pets at home during this particularly hectic time of the semester.
“I have a cat at home, and I really miss my cat. She was like my emotional support animal, but I couldn’t bring her here,” said Gabriela Rodriguez, a senior majoring in digital communications, “So, I felt joy when I saw the animals. It’s been a long time since I played with an animal like that, and I think it helped relieve my stress.”
The event was a success, with a significant turnout consisting of students, who stopped by the different locations while coming in and out of classes, lunch, other activities, and even faculty members and a few visiting families.
Given the positive results, it is likely that an event resembling Zooeyia to occur in the future, and attendees and handlers alike have manifested their enthusiasm for this possibility.
“This has been very enjoyable. We really would like to have opportunities to come back and do an event like this,” said Tristan Yargus, instructional assistant at the Academy of the Farm.
Considering this, students can probably look forward to another visit from our furry friends in the fall semester.
