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Puppy Love at USMMA

By Veronica Cassidy Barry

KINGS POINT, N.Y. , October 27, 2015 – It is exam week at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), which normally means a lot of late night studying followed by - more studying. Today for the first time ever, midshipmen were greeted by several therapy dogs from the Long Island Canine Class Therapy Dog Team.

“Therapy dogs are a great stress reliever, especially during exam time”, said USMMA Director of Student Activities, Nicholas Rachowicz, who worked with Midshipman 2nd Class Daniel Curry and the Midshipman Council to bring the dogs to Kings Point. “We wanted to do something to increase morale during finals week, said Curry.

Midshipmen took turns meeting the dogs and thanking their owners for volunteering their time. Midshipman 2nd Class Dan Zarycki said, “It really is a nice break from all the studying.”

Kristen Papile, Certified Master Dog Trainer and Director of the Therapy Dog Team said, “We got a call and we were happy to come.”  Her puppy, Kreiger, looked pretty happy too.

Kristen Papile, Director of Therapy Dog Team and Daniel Curry with Puppy Trainee, Krieger and his Dad, Breeze

Kristen Papile, Director of Therapy Dog Team and Midshipman Daniel Curry with Puppy Trainee, Krieger and his experienced Therapy Dog father, Breeze.

Last updated: Tuesday, October 27, 2015

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