Canine kisses turn out to be the cure for procrastination-induced crankiness at the Lied Library as semester finals loom. Students fill the space -- cramming for tests, cranking out research papers, and finishing their group projects. To get students to let go of a little angst, UNLV Libraries launched the Paws for Study Break program in December and then expanded it this May. The certified therapy dogs come from Love Dogs Adventures. Before spring semester finals, the puppy sessions attracted 921 students. It's a quirky example of how the Libraries helps students learn more effectively, outreach librarian Rosan Mitola said.

Freshman Alexis Smith gave the service two paws up: "It gave me a chance to not think so much about math and other things that are currently weighing me down. It was an unexpected and fun way to cap off a stressful week."

Freshman Jacob Hill said: "I talked to a few students who said they miss their dogs at home and seeing all of these dogs was a nice help to get them through one more week away from their families. It even helped me get my mind off of Brownie (my dog who recently passed away)."