Take a Paws: Oban the Therapy Dog Brings Stress Relief to Campus

Between late-night lab reports, group projects, and notifications that never seem to stop, college can feel like…a lot. That’s why the AIAA Student Chapter at UCCS has recruited a very special member to the team: Oban the Therapy Dog.

Oban the Therapy Dog

Every other Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Oban sets up “office hours” in the UCCS Anschutz Engineering Center, ready to accept payment in the form of pets and ear scratches. Students swing by between classes to decompress and soak up a few moments of pure, uncomplicated happiness.

You might not think an aerospace club and a therapy dog go hand in hand—but it makes perfect sense. High-performing engineering students are under constant pressure, and research has shown that spending time with therapy animals can help lower stress and improve mood. A few minutes with Oban offers a reset button in the middle of a hectic day: heart rates slow, shoulders drop, and smiles appear where furrowed brows used to be.

Oban’s visits are quickly becoming a campus tradition—part stress relief, part community-building, and 100% wholesome. Whether you’re a first-year student still learning your way around campus or a senior deep in senior design chaos, you’re welcome to stop by, say hi, and leave feeling just a little bit lighter.

For more information about Oban’s visits or the UCCS AIAA Chapter, contactDr. Lynnane George at lgeorge2@uccs.edu orJosh Pappas at jpappas@uccs.edu.