"By the time finals come around many of us are exhausted, mentally and physically," and playing with staff members' pet dogs on the last day of class helps "rejuvenate students for that last big push," according to one of the Knox College students who proposed Pause for PAWS. 

The initiative came from two seniors, Ryan Paulus and Kelsey Witzling. "Ryan and
Kelsey brought the idea to me," recalls Travis Greenlee, assistant director of student activities and engagement. "It's been successful, with close to 300 students each time."

Pause for PAWS at Knox was launched at the end of fall term last November and repeated at the end of winter term earlier this month.

Paulus talks about why he and Witzling suggested the event:

Kelsey and I both love dogs. While at school I find myself missing my golden retriever Bailey more than my family, in part because I have not been able to see or talk with her like I can with my parents and brother, but also because she always has a friendly smile. From what I've heard, this is a fairly common sentiment among students at school.

I am really happy with the response from students. Within the first fifteen minutes the Taylor Lounge was packed with people! It is a very easy way to relax and get away from school work for a while.

There is work behind the scenes in order to make it go smoothly, and we're grateful for all the faculty and staff who share their pets. We truly appreciate the opportunity to play with them, and it helps the stress of finals immensely.

Relaxing and having a good time is the goal of Pause for PAWS. We work hard for ten weeks, and by the time finals come around many of us are exhausted, mentally and physically. The dogs help rejuvenate students for that last big push. From what I've seen, students are always smiling and laughing when they are with the dogs, and the dogs and their owners seem to have a great time, too.

Pause for PAWS March 2014 at Knox College. Full-screen photos, captions and credits available in a set at the Knox College Flickr channel.