Leaving pets at home while going away to college can be really tough, and it is even worse now that there is a global pandemic, meaning most students are unable to go home to see their furry friends.

Tensions have been high, and anxiety has been even higher since Oswego State mandated a two-week on-campus pause due to the sudden rise of COVID-19 cases among on-campus students. During the pause, Oz Peer Ed hosted a Zoom call titled “Yappy Hour” on Wednesday, Sept. 30 to attempt to relieve students and staff of their stress during these tough times. 

The call lasted a little under an hour, and many people popped in to virtually meet others and their pets. Funny stories were shared, advice was given and dogs were indeed having fun.

While usually the dogs come to campus for in-person time spent with students, the pause did not allow for this. 

Students are already stressed and upset to be away from home while everything is happening on campus. Thus, many students and even staff found this event to be particularly therapeutic. 

“I think that it’s definitely something [that is] missed,” graduate student Brittany Ripley said. “So I think this program does a good job, it’s still providing that serotonin that we need from dogs.” 

The group went on to talk about pets that they missed from home, and how they are coping with being away from them. Others who were with a dog showed them off, and talked about their experiences in raising them. 

Some topics covered included tricks their pets have learned, strange eating habits, how taking care of a dog changes you and when people knew they were ready for the responsibilities that come with being a pet-owner. 

While it has been nice to be around one’s pets during stay-at-home orders earlier in the year, some are worried about the separation.

“I’m so used to having her with me,” said Nancy Concadora, a faculty member at Oswego State. “I’m afraid I’m going to have some sort of separation anxiety.”

This event allowed people to become connected and share stories about dogs when some students are unable to be with their own during this hard time.

“I have a dog back home, but obviously I can’t have him here with me, so being able to see everyone else’s dog and being able to ask them about their dog … It’s just really nice and it brings me a job because then I can talk about my dog,” said Jayvanna Perez, one of the event’s hosts. “We all have that sense of love for dogs or animals in general.”

Photos Provided by Dallas Barrigar, Samantha Sorbo, Benjamin Vazquez, Sara Nehama and Kailee Montross