WASHINGTON – Election Day is stressful, no matter who you’re voting for. But don’t fret – I have the paw-fect answer for you to soothe your central nervous system.
You guessed it: dogs. More specifically: puppies.
The USA TODAY newsroom welcomed six poodle puppies from Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, a local organization that rescues high-risk animals from euthanasia, neglect and abuse, according to its website. It started nine years ago and has saved more than 20,000 animals.
USA TODAY Politics Managing Editor Romina Ruiz-Goiriena ushered my colleagues and me to the back corner of our newsroom after teasing a “surprise” coming Election Day. In an election year full of surprises, this was the best possible outcome any of us could have hoped for. At least before the polls close, anyway. Woof.
My anxiety ticked up slowly but surely all day. I went for an early run before work in a futile attempt to calm down. The fall leaves floated off the trees in 50-degree weather. Smooth landings antithetical to my feet pounding on the pavement. I was breathing, but not deeply.
The second a beautiful brown puppy sat in my arms, I did. I gave it a light (then tight) squeeze and let the sweetness envelop me. Kissed its adorable little face, smelled its fresh fur. “Awws” echoed as many reporters, editors, and other newsroom staffers took turns passing puppies around. Research shows it’s easy to see why – animals lower cortisol levels and can bring down blood pressure, according to the NIH.
“Just holding them, it helps a lot,” says Jenny Campanilla, Wolf Trap’s adoption coordinator-veterinary assistant. Talking to them is also good for you, though these puppies sadly did not respond to my overtures for conversation.
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When I went back to my desk, my anxiety returned slightly. I itched to go back and hold a puppy again. I also immediately texted my boyfriend a picture – the biggest hint possible to say WE ARE GETTING A DOG.
All told, though, the best part (paw-t?) about puppies on Election Day? They don’t care who you voted for – they just care.(This story has been updated to fix a typo.)
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