Benton Museum Hosts Therapy Dogs at First Thursday
Students at the University of Connecticut gathered for art, therapy dogs, and an open mic night during the monthly First Thursday event.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Dogs
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The William Benton Museum of Art hosted its monthly First Thursday event, offering art activities, therapy dogs, and University of Connecticut Library presentations. The Student Union Board of Governors held an open mic night at the Beanery, where the first 75 students received free drinks.
Why it matters
The event gives students a break from coursework and is intended to support their mental health. Pairing creative activities with therapy dogs offers a low-pressure way for students to relax during the semester.
The Beanery offered free drinks to the first 75 students at the open mic night. Grant, a 10-year-old golden retriever, works as a therapy dog, reading education assistant, and crisis response dog, and Sandy Lok has brought her dogs to UConn for 15 years.
The players
William Benton Museum of Art
The University of Connecticut's art museum in Storrs that hosts the monthly First Thursday programming.
Sandy Lok
A handler who has brought her therapy dogs to the University of Connecticut for 15 years.
The details
Students crafted, chatted, and wandered the Benton Museum galleries during the First Thursday event. Across the campus, the Student Union Board of Governors hosted an open mic night where students performed song covers and original pieces.
Timeline
November 2026: Benton Museum First Thursday event held on the first Thursday of the month
Campus Wellness Trend
Therapy dog visits at U.S. universities have become a common form of animal-assisted stress relief during demanding academic periods. The Benton Museum event extends that practice by combining therapy dogs with art activities and student performances.
Students at UConn can drop in on First Thursday events at the Benton Museum to take a break from coursework. Those interested in animal-assisted stress relief can seek out similar campus programs that bring therapy dogs to students during busy weeks.
The takeaway
Brief, scheduled campus events like therapy dog visits can offer students an accessible way to step away from academic pressure. Checking campus event calendars is a practical way to find these low-cost wellness options.
Further reading
Explore more dog stories and resources to see how therapy dogs support people in everyday settings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Campus.
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