Current:Home > Finance'Melt away' your Election Day stress: Puppy-cuddling events at hotels across the US on Nov. 5-InfoLens
'Melt away' your Election Day stress: Puppy-cuddling events at hotels across the US on Nov. 5
View Date:2025-01-11 05:00:41
If the election stress is getting too you, this hotel might have the solution.
Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, is teaming up with animals shelters in cities like New York, Milwaukee, Austin and Atlanta for a puppy cuddling event on Nov. 5 called “Not Watch Pawties.”
The "Not Watch Pawties" will "bring in adorable puppies to provide a comforting, stress-free temporary escape from the political mayhem," Aloft Hotels, which refers to itself as a dog-friendly hotel brand, said in a news release, adding the "events are sure to give news-weary Americans some respite on election night itself."
Nearly 69% of U.S. adults reported that the 2024 presidential election is a significant source of stress in their lives, which reflects an increase from 52% in 2016, according to an APA study released this month. More than 7 in 10 adults are worried that the election results could lead to violence and nearly 1 in 3 have experienced tension and distance from their family members.
A look inside:On election night, crisis lines won't stop ringing
Where will the 'Not Watch Pawties' take place?
Events will be hosted on election night starting at 5 p.m. at the following Aloft locations across the country:
- Aloft New York, Chelsea from 5 - 7 p.m.
- Aloft Atlanta at the Battery from 5 -7 p.m.
- Aloft Orlando Downtown from 5 - 9 p.m.
- Aloft Austin Downtown from 5 - 7 p.m.
- Aloft Milwaukee Downtown 5 - 7 p.m.
There is no registration required, or fees involved, and guests can just show up at one the locations listed above to "let their stress melt away with some furry companionship." Aloft will also offer guests complimentary puppy-themed light bites and beverages like a Puppucino and Chocolate Bark-tini.
I'm 'not eating gummies':Kamala Harris talks election stress
'No better way' to escape Election Day madness
“Everyone needs a chance to de-stress at the moment and we decided to share some of the comfort dogs bring both virtually and in-person this election season,” Aloft Hotels executive Brian Jaymont said in a statement. “We hope this calming video and our Not Watch Pawties give people a chance to relax and reset, even if it’s only for 47 minutes.”
Jaymont, in an email to USA TODAY, added the hotel "thought there would be no better way to give people the chance to escape" the Election Day madness "than a few moments cuddling local shelter dogs and enjoying some puppy-themed food and beverages after they’ve voted.”
Dogs are scientifically proven to reduce stress, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Petting a dog can lowers the stress hormone cortisol while the social interaction between people and dogs increases levels of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, Hopkins Medicine says on their website.
Shelters partnering with Aloft include Rescue City in New York City, Rescue Gang in Milwaukee and Pet Rescue by Judy in Orlando.
Stay 'pawsome'
For those unable to participate in the Not Watch Pawties, Aloft has released a video titled "Election Escape Meditation Video" to "tune out the noise and tune into serenity, no matter where you are."
The 47-minute doggy-led meditation video, in honor of the incoming 47th President, features a pup with black and white fur, who gazes into the camera and encourages viewers to "paws," stretch, and stay "pawsome.”
Contributing: Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Too Hot to Handle’s Francesca Farago Gives Birth, Welcomes Twins With Jesse Sullivan
- HBCU Xavier of New Orleans moves closer to establishing a medical school
- Patrick Mahomes gave Logan Paul his Chiefs Super Bowl rings so he could attack Jey Uso
- Prince William, Princess Kate celebrate 13th wedding anniversary: See the throwback photo
- Trump on Day 1: Begin deportation push, pardon Jan. 6 rioters and make his criminal cases vanish
- Don't use TikTok? Here's what to know about the popular app and its potential ban in US
- Kim and Penn Holderness Reveal Why They Think His ADHD Helped Them Win The Amazing Race
- Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott reuniting after agreeing to deal, AP source says
- Does the NFL have a special teams bias when hiring head coaches? History indicates it does
- Louisiana Supreme Court rules for new City of St. George
Ranking
- Georgia House Republicans stick with leadership team for the next two years
- Cameo's Most Surprisingly Affordable Celebrity Cameos That Are Definitely in Your Budget
- Highway back open after train carrying propane derails at Arizona-New Mexico state line
- Where is the Kentucky Derby? What to know about Churchill Downs before 2024 race
- Women suing over Idaho’s abortion ban describe dangerous pregnancies, becoming ‘medical refugees’
- Seattle Kraken fire coach Dave Hakstol after giving him an extension last summer
- 15 must-see summer movies, from 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and 'Furiosa' to 'Bad Boys 4'
- The Journey of Trust with GaxEx: Breaking Through SCAM Concerns of GaxEx in the Crypto Market to Shape a New Future Together
Recommendation
-
Dave Coulier Says He's OK If This Is the End Amid Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Battle
-
Ex-NSA staffer gets 21 years for trying to sell defense information to 'friends' in Russia
-
Britney Spears settles legal battle with father Jamie Spears after conservatorship: Reports
-
Why Meghan Markle Won’t Be Joining Prince Harry for His Return to the U.K.
-
Patricia Heaton criticizes media, 'extremists' she says 'fear-mongered' in 2024 election
-
Bird never seen in US, the blue rock thrush, reportedly spotted on Oregon coast
-
Hamas releases propaganda video of two hostages, including a kidnapped American citizen
-
Over 80,000 pounds of deli meat recalled across multiple states due to lacking inspection