Students at City College have the option to lower their stress during finals week by checking out a dog between 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, at the Luria Library.

“The only problem we have with the dogs coming for pet therapy, is that it isn’t enough,” said Elizabeth Bowman, Luria Library director and event coordinator.

Similar to previous City College events, therapy dogs will be provided by All for Animals, a nonprofit organization for abandoned animals and its innovative literacy program ARF.

All for Animals calls their method, “a simple idea with profound results.” Studies show interacting with pets reduces the stress hormones called cortisol, and increases a person’s endorphins, the hormone responsible for a person’s happiness.

“Check Out a Dog and Lower Your Stress,” day aims to do just that for City College students, who will be able to lower their stress and bond with one of the ten dogs All for Animals provides while headed to, or returning from finals.

“Students want them here weekly,” said Bowman. “That is something for us to aim for.”