Students coping with the stress of final exams at a university in southwest Ohio recently got help from some dogs.

The counseling service at Miami University in Oxford offered its Furry Finals program as students took exams this week. Students could spend their down time between study periods and exams with dogs licensed for therapy and trained for obedience and agility.

A Miami psychology professor says there is evidence that pets help reduce stress. Professor Allen McConnell says animals can improve people’s moods and help them feel like they have greater social support.

The university says dogs bred to work with people also can benefit from the program.

The nine dogs brought to campus included a miniature poodle and a 120-pound Rottweiler.