Media advisory: Soothing music, a massage and a 200-pound pooch!

BUFFALO, N.Y. – There are many ways to alleviate stress, but it’s hard to beat hugging a 200-pound Great Dane.

The pooch, named Murphy, is one of several canines that will visit the University at Buffalo Libraries this week to help students unwind as they study for final exams. Others include Sophia, a Bernese mountain dog; Max, a French bulldog; and Hannah, a golden retriever.

Media are invited to see the dogs in action at the following times and locations:

·         May 12, 13 and 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the staff lounge in the basement of Lockwood Memorial Library (building No. 10 on this map: http://www.buffalo.edu/buildings/maps/NorthCampus.pdf) on North Campus.

Onsite contact: Kathleen Quinlivan, communications officer for UB Libraries, at 716-645-1326.

·         May 13, 14, and 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Room B-15, lower level, in the Health Sciences Library in Abbott Hall (building No. 3 on this map: http://www.buffalo.edu/buildings/maps/SouthCampus.pdf) on South Campus.

Onsite contact: Pamela Rose, web services and library promotion coordinator, at 716-829-5722.

UB's Health Sciences Library began bringing therapy dogs on campus in December 2011. The effort has grown to include coffee, snacks, soothing music, chair massages and Reiki.

UB is working with Therapy Animals of Western New York (TAWNY) and other organizations that promote the healing power of dogs and other animals, to bring the dogs on campus.