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SOMERS — As the semester winds down and final exams loom, students at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside are going canine to break the stress.

Specifically, they’ve been gathering at the library to scratch, pet and cuddle with Miles, a golden retriever and therapy dog.

“It is really relaxing,” said nursing student Awisi Obua, brushing Miles’ coat. “I was a little down coming in here. I have to study. The dog made me feel better about the day.”

“It gets your mind off everything,” said Andrea Eliason, a physical therapy major from River Falls. “Away from the craziness of finals.”

The visit by the “therapuppies” is a collaboration between the Parkside Disability Services and Dogs of Endearment, a local therapy dog group.

“It is another way to have our dogs connect to the community,” said Mary Domes, Miles’ owner, a Parkside graduate. “Miles loves it.”

The library has invited the dogs in twice a year during mid-terms and finals for the past two years. according librarian Paige Barreto.

“The students and staff are excited,” said Barreto. “They ask when the dogs are coming weeks in advance. Some students even have favorite dog.”