By On Feb. 11, Carroll’s Canine Companion program brought puppy love to the students through a “Kissing Booth.”
Carroll College Collar Scholars hosted a kissing booth, allowing students to pet program animals and spread some joy around campus.
The Collar Scholars Club works within the Canine Companions program, which trains service dogs to assist individuals with disabilities.
Bringing the puppies out for the campus allows Carroll students to lighten their moods as well as bring the community together.
The booth was set up in a high-traffic area, in the Cube, and had a decent amount of students between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.. Most were only able to stop between classes to pet the dogs, take photos, and spend a moment at the event.
The dogs, Valentina and Verity, at the event greeted students as they approached the booth. Each dog remained calm and well-behaved while interacting with visitors.
Students interacted with the pups, kneeling to pet them or sitting on the floor to get more loves. The location also encouraged casual conversation among those attending.
The event took place at the perfect point in the semester.
With assignments, exams, and extracurriculars increasing, and the length without a break being long, the Kissing Booth provided a short mental reset for those who attended.
As the event continued, fewer people showed up. There was no rush, and interactions were brief but meaningful, allowing as many students as possible to participate.
Near the end of the event, the crowd was thinned out to only a few people. Students were beginning to head back to classes or head back to their rooms.
Many students looked back one more time before leaving, soaking in the last moments with the dogs.
Afterwards, campus life continued as usual, with a bit more conversation and life from people who were at the event.
While the Kissing Booth was a small event, it had a larger effort by student organizations to build community on campus.
For those who attended, it was an opportunity to pause, interact, and return to the day feeling slightly recharged.
