UVic De-Stress Fest Puppy Playtime

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the best day of my life. UVic De-Stress Fest comes twice a year right before final exam season kicks off, and it is truly a gift. The struggle is real when it comes to managing exam-related stress, and what better way to find your chill than to hang out with a bunch of dogs?!

Nellie was the best hostess I’ve ever had. 

Listen, there are many different events that go on throughout the week, from free hot chocolate, to campus walks, to chair massages, but I think we can all agree that Puppy Playtime is the winner.

Just look at how happy and at peace we all are. Thanks Stella.

This happens every year, twice a year, but this is the first time I’ve ever attended. Unless you’re terribly allergic or deathly afraid of dogs, you have not lived until you have participated in Puppy Playtime. Literally all you have to do is show up, and be prepared to sit on the floor, pet friendly dogs and occasionally get licked in the face. Really not a hardship.

My friends and I got their half an hour early, and we were at the front of the line. Make no mistake, the line is LONG. But so, so worth it. We spent an hour interacting with a bunch of dogs of different breeds, colours, sizes, and ages, and chatting with their friendly owners.

These dogs are absolute angels. Many of them frequent seniors homes, elementary schools, and many other institutions to spread joy, companionship, and calmness.

As someone who has been very overwhelmed with stress these past two weeks, spending an hour with these dogs probably added years to my life.

If you missed out this time, fear not, because UVic’s De-Stress Fest will return on March 21st and 22nd in 2017.

Find out more about Pacific Animal Therapy Society!

This is Stella waving hello. HI STELLA!

Meet Sandy.