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Therapy Dog Jacky Brings Stress Relief to Speyer’s State Library

Struggling with exam pressure? A furry friend is here to help. Jacky’s gentle presence turns the library into a sanctuary for stressed minds.

The image shows a paper with a drawing of a group of people and a dog, with the words "breaking...
The image shows a paper with a drawing of a group of people and a dog, with the words "breaking that backbone" written on it. The people in the drawing appear to be in a state of distress, with some of them holding objects in their hands. The dog is standing in the center of the group, looking up at them with a concerned expression.

Jacky helps: State library offers dog for stressed-out students - Therapy Dog Jacky Brings Stress Relief to Speyer’s State Library

A new four-legged helper is joining the Palatinate State Library in Speyer this month. Jacky, a certified therapy dog, will visit the library to support students struggling with exam stress or daily pressures. The initiative aims to create a calming space where visitors can unwind through gentle interaction with the animal.

The programme, called study break with paws, runs from early February until March 23. On the second and fourth Monday of each month, Jacky and her owner will be available for 20-minute sessions. These visits give students and other library users the chance to pet, play with, or simply sit beside the dog in a relaxed environment.

Research shows that spending time with animals can lower stress and improve mental well-being. Jacky’s calm and friendly nature makes her particularly suited to helping shy or anxious visitors. The library hopes her presence will offer a simple but effective way to recharge during busy study periods. No appointment is needed—visitors can drop in during the scheduled times. The sessions take place in a designated area of the library, ensuring a quiet and welcoming atmosphere for all participants.

The therapy dog sessions will continue until the end of March, with the final visit on March 23. Library staff encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to take advantage of the free, low-pressure sessions. Jacky’s visits reflect a growing recognition of how animal-assisted activities can support mental health in academic settings.

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