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Therapeutic Dogs
You feel the pressure beginning to mount; a dark cloud looming, growing ever closer. You find yourself deprived of sleep, skipping meals, struggling to concentrate. Year after year, it’s the same old story. Exam stress: the number one cause of teenage anxiety.

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You’ve probably heard about the majority of stress-busting tips out there.              But it’s all much easier said than done, isn’t it? With your exams just around the corner, what you need is a quick fix; something that will instantly boost your spirits and energise you for another study session in the library!

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Thankfully, an answer has been found. Now you can wave goodbye to your exam problems with a little bit of therapy!           Some people might even say it’s barking mad! But if exam stress is getting you down, how about attending a session of dog therapy?

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While the idea may seem rather far-fetched, many students at Harvard and Yale universities champion the therapeutic effects of having a dog for companionship.            These dogs are freely available for students to visit at any time. They can even be borrowed through the library card system just as you would borrow a book!

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Recent research into the effects of dog therapy shows that interaction with animals actually decreases cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts endorphins, making people feel happy.           As one librarian explains, “It has had positive effects, helping them to just have a moment to clear their minds and not have to think about studies.”

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The dogs used for these programmes are usually specially chosen for their roles.             Most of the time, visitors simply pet the dogs in order to lift their spirits. However, the dogs are trained to play or do tricks as well.
            They are actually employed for a variety of roles, including helping hospitalized patients, elderly people and those suffering in disaster areas. The presence of an animal has proven not only to reduce stress but to ease pain and lower blood pressure. Their unconditional love also provides people with companionship and support in difficult times.

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Now if you’re unable to find a local therapy dog to ease your exam stress, don’t panic! Studies show that many animals, such as cats and even goldfish, can have a therapeutic effect on people. The animals don’t even need special training to make you feel better.            If so, the next time you feel like pulling out your hair, why not take a moment to play with them instead?

A Therapy dogs are not only limited to beating exam stress.
B There are literally dozens of people telling you to sleep more, eat healthily and exercise.
C But pets are not allowed to be kept in students’ dormitories.
D In fact, both institutions now have resident therapy dogs which are kept in counselling centres on campus.

E Perhaps you or your friend has a pet at home?
F They must be calm animals which can get on well with strangers and enjoy human contact.
G However, this is no conventional kind of treatment.
H This explains why students often leave the counselling centre with a smile across their face