The power of pets to calm and heal is a well known medical phenomenon.
That’s why St. John Ambulance brought therapy dogs to MRU’s Riddell Library last month at the peak of mid-term season. Students got the chance to pet, cuddle and play with therapy dogs of all sizes as part of the National Depression Screening Day initiative.
The Oct. 8 event also featured free snacks, cozy drinks, and anonymous mental health check-in tools, provided by the Calgary Counselling Centre.
St. John Ambulance therapy- dogs make their rounds at an MRU’s wellness event, Oct. 8, 2026. Credit: PHOTO BY: MADELYN ROY/THE CALGARY JOURNAL 
St. John Ambulance therapy- dogs make their rounds at an MRU’s wellness event, Oct. 8, 2026. Credit: PHOTO BY: MADELYN ROY/THE CALGARY JOURNAL 
St. John Ambulance therapy- dogs make their rounds at an MRU’s wellness event, Oct. 8, 2026. Credit: PHOTO BY: MADELYN ROY/THE CALGARY JOURNAL 
St. John Ambulance therapy- dogs make their rounds at an MRU’s wellness event, Oct. 8, 2026. Credit: PHOTO BY: MADELYN ROY/THE CALGARY JOURNAL 
St. John Ambulance therapy- dogs make their rounds at an MRU’s wellness event, Oct. 8, 2026. Credit: PHOTO BY: MADELYN ROY/THE CALGARY JOURNAL 
St. John Ambulance therapy- dogs make their rounds at an MRU’s wellness event, Oct. 8, 2026. Credit: PHOTO BY: MADELYN ROY/THE CALGARY JOURNAL