A cold rain is falling today. After my morning lecture on depression, I cut through the union to avoid the rain for a bit and get a cup of coffee. I saw a sign that got me thinking. Finals are coming up and evidently some students are experiencing stress. The Wellness Center is offering massages and therapy dogs to help students cope.
Wow. Talk about expectations, change, and not having to walk to and from class uphill in a blizzard both ways. I am sorry students. These are the good times. This is a semi-protective environment where poor performance because you did not feel like going to class has only minimal consequences. You do not lose your job – we need to keep you for the tuition. You only get a C. The idea is to ease you into the real stresses of life. Therapy dogs and massages may establish unrealistic expectations.
Anyway, the thought of a massage creeps me out. Whatever my level of stress, I would require several drinks before I could tolerate a massage. My wife says a massage is wonderful. Perhaps we are stressed by different things.
Here is a picture of my therapy dog. See if you can pick him out. He is kind of aloof with an attitude. He thinks he is special and does not like other dogs. He does not like people much either. You have to be careful when petting him. You are likely to get nipped. He also does not like his hair trimmed even when he gets uncomfortable. He bit the last groomer and after receiving an official notice from the county sherif I had to have him observed by a vet on multiple occasions to make certain he was not rabid. I could have told them this was just his way of expressing himself. It costs about $600 to have him sedated so his hair can be cut. His method of comforting is to allow you look at him while he sleeps. A curmudgeon therapy dog for the curmudgeon.
We all have our own way of dealing with stress. I think I will take a walk in the cold rain just so I can feel the sensation of the rain on my bald spot. This is a form of therapy that makes you feel alive!