Athletes from Mexico take a time out with St. John Ambulance therapy dogs on Monday in Jubilee Court.

They have a way with stressed out students during exams.

So there’s no reason why the friendly paw of a pooch shouldn’t be extended to homesick Pan Am athletes, or those needing to calm their nerves before competition.

That’s exactly why the St. John Ambulance therapy dogs paid a visit to Brock Saturday and Monday, where athletes from the Americas nuzzled and took selfies with retrievers, collies and mountain dogs.

On Saturday, 109 athletes spent time with the therapy dogs in Jubilee Court. On Monday, there were 121, some of whom brought their medals with them as they mugged with the dogs.

About 500 athletes are staying on campus during the games.

“The thought was (to bring the dogs in) for some of the athletes being stressed out and being away from home, the young ones,” said Gary Jack, St. John therapy dog program supervisor. “From the early feedback, it’s been outstanding.”

An athlete from Mexico snaps a selfie with a therapy dog Monday in Jubilee Court.