By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
UTA's School of Social Work host Puppy Yoga event
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and the conclusion of the spring semester, the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work hosted a Puppy Yoga event on May 5. The event provided students, faculty and staff an opportunity to participate in guided yoga alongside puppies available for adoption.
Organized in partnership with Cowtown Friends of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, the event aimed to promote wellness, encourage community involvement, and raise awareness about the needs of shelter animals and the importance of self-care.
“Finals week is an especially stressful time for students, faculty and staff alike,” said Dr. Dana Litt, social work professor and co-founder of Cowtown Friends. “Since it also coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month, it felt like the ideal opportunity to promote wellness, stress relief and joy.”
Cowtown Friends is a nonprofit organization that supports Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, the city’s municipal animal shelter. The group raises funds for urgent needs, advocates for the well-being of shelter animals, and builds connections between the shelter and the broader community. Its efforts include funding outdoor play yard renovations, purchasing pet supplies for foster caregivers, and raising awareness about adoption and volunteer opportunities.
“This event allowed me to merge two parts of my life in a meaningful way,” Litt said. “Social work is centered on advocacy and community well-being, and animal welfare aligns with those same values.”
Students responded with enthusiasm, embracing both the physical and emotional benefits the event had to offer.
Leslie Lorenzana, a Master of Social Work student, said the experience provided a much-needed pause during a busy time of year.
“It was a really valuable experience,” Lorenzana said. “Combining the calming nature of yoga with the interaction of adoptable puppies created a relaxing and engaging environment.”
Lorenzana said she often looks for ways to manage stress during finals, and the event offered something different from the usual methods.
“It helped me stay present,” she said. “With everything going on—assignments, deadlines, graduation—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But during Puppy Yoga, I was able to slow down and just enjoy the moment.”
She added that while she has a senior dog at home, being around the puppies reminded her of the unique energy younger animals bring.
“I forgot how playful and full of energy they can be,” she said. “There was a little bit of chaos, but in the best way. It made the whole experience feel joyful and grounded at the same time.”
As the semester concluded, the Puppy Yoga event served as a reminder that mental health care can take many forms. Whether through structured support or simple moments of connection, finding ways to manage stress and recharge is essential. Events like this encourage participants to explore wellness practices that are approachable, restorative and rooted in compassion. In the context of Mental Health Awareness Month, the event underscored the importance of making time for emotional well-being—not just during high-stress periods, but as a regular part of everyday life.
