Local & Community
Therapy Dogs Visit COD to Help Students Survive Finals Week
Finals week is stressful enough, but last week, students at College of the Desert got a little help from some furry visitors.
Animal Samaritans brought their ACT, Animal Companion Therapy, volunteers and trained therapy dogs to campus, giving students a chance to step away from the pressure of exams and spend a few minutes with a friendly face, or paw.
COD student Alani Rodriguez said the timing couldn't have been better. "It can be a really stressful time for COD students, especially depending on difficulties and the level of coursework," she said. "So a lot of students, even those with the extra resources and support, get really overwhelmed quite easily."
Marvel belongs to ACT volunteer Karen O'Brien, who said the work gives her life meaning. "I had seen a dog on Instagram and he goes to schools and hospitals, and I thought that was really a great thing to do," O'Brien said. "So that's what we did with Marvel."
Animal Samaritans says their ACT volunteers and dogs have donated thousands of hours across the Coachella Valley, visiting schools, hospitals, nursing facilities, and special needs centers.
To learn more about the program, visit animalsamaritans.org.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 18, 2026
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