Article updated: 1/15/2013 2:55 PM

Trauma therapy dogs help suburban teens with test angst

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The Hinsdale Humane Society brought in trained therapy dogs to help teens deal with the stress of final exams while studying this weekend at the Downers Grove Public Library. Gay Pollitt, left, with her dog, Delilah, and Mary Beth Turek with her dog, Maggie, were part of a team that visited with nearly 200 students.

Courtesy of Deborah Kraus

Handler Sharon Detro and her specially trained therapy dog Leila Mae, a small, white Coton de Tulear, were a huge hit with anxious teens studying Sunday at the Downers Grove Public Library.

Courtesy of Mary Styrczula

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In the days after the horrific school shooting in Newtown, Conn., a group of seven golden retrievers and their handlers from the suburbs went to the community of Sandy Hook Elementary School to let the traumatized kids and parents spend some spirit-rejuvenating time with dogs. Now, the power of these highly trained dogs is taking on another anxiety-inducing suburban phenomenon — high school finals testing.

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