Introducing the Law School Llama

A T14 law school has an interesting strategy to combat final stress…

We’ve covered law school therapy dogs before, and the ATL staff seems a bit divided on the issue. David Lat commended Yale Law School for Monty the rent-a-stress-puppy.

On the other hand, Elie Mystal rained on the cute parade with liability concerns and other no-fun naysaying.

But today, a T14 law school is adding another animal into the finals stress relief mix. Introducing the law school llamas….

A tipster from Cornell University gives us the the story of his school’s law llamas. Yep:

I know you’ve written about therapy dogs around finals time at other schools before. Just wanted to say that Cornell is apparently upping the ante with therapy dogs and llamas.

Honestly, I think showing up for class and finding that in the courtyard would more likely give me nightmares than help me study. But apparently therapy llamas are a real thing.

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But not everyone is cynical like us bloggers. Another tipster forwarded us the email sent to Cornell law students with the following message:

Yaaaayyy!

I like the tipster’s enthusiasm. Seriously. In any case, here is the email:

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Cornell Law Library Administration
Date: Mon, Apr 16, 2012 at 9:45 AM
Subject: Therapy Dogs and Llamas Visiting on April 25!
To: [Cornell Law Listservs]

Join the Law Library for a Visit with Therapy Dogs & Llamas

On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, the Law Library will host Cornell Companions, a pet visitation program sponsored by the Cornell University veterinary community. From 11:00am to 1:00pm, six dogs and two llamas will be available to law students in the Law School Courtyard (or foyer in the event of rain). Interested students are invited to sign up for this event at the Circulation Desk in the Library. Up to 25 students may attend each twenty-minute session. The animals are vaccinated, free of parasites, trained in obedience, and screened for the proper temperament. Enjoy this opportunity to relax before finals in the therapeutic companionship of an affectionate pet! Please let us know if you have any questions or comments by responding to this email.

“Advancing the health and well-being of animals and people”

I have to say, I’m not convinced. But then again, I’m not in upstate New York studying for law school finals. The sun is shining here, birds are chirping, and police haven’t even tear-gassed anyone in Oakland yet this week. So, Cornell, do what you gotta do to destress. (Also, Cornell students might be particularly interested in learning whether llamas are better at talking people down off the ledge than dogs.)

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Besides, Cornell dropped to number 14 in the U.S. News rankings this year. When you are trying to hang onto your spot in the top 14, you need to pull out all the stops. Who knows, maybe llamas are just what Cornell needs.