Adapting a hands-on program for the coronavirus pandemic, Manchester Community College will offer “virtual pet therapy” sessions as students head into final exams next week.
An important part of the college’s stress relief service — the feel of feline fur or a canine’s cool nose — will be missing from the video sessions, but pet therapy expert Laurel Rabschutz said just the sights and sounds of pooches and pussycats could provide some benefit.
“Hopefully, just seeing the dog will help them relax a little,” Rabschutz said of students interacting with her Newfoundland, Wrigley, one of the participating pets.