On Nov. 22 Intermountain Therapy Animals and their humans came to Ms. Natalie Smith’s yoga class.
“We’re seeing if the dogs lower our stress levels,” senior Zack Gordon said. “First we take our blood pressure and see what our heart rate is. Then after we’re done petting the dogs, we’ll see if they’ve lowered.”
According to Preston Ciaro, a volunteer with ITA, research has shown that animals can have a significant positive impact for people with a whole range of situations. ITA animals can induce immediate physiological improvements, including lower blood pressure, slower breathing, greater calm and relaxation.
Tess Jacobsen liked petting a golden doodle named Rosie. “Rosie is very calm. She lays on your lap and you just de-stress.”
