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University students given ‘puppy love' to help them de-stress

A happy Chloe Patterson, student officer at Queen's University, Belfast with Biscuit the guide dog. Picture by Hugh Russell
A happy Chloe Patterson, student officer at Queen's University, Belfast with Biscuit the guide dog. Picture by Hugh Russell A happy Chloe Patterson, student officer at Queen's University, Belfast with Biscuit the guide dog. Picture by Hugh Russell

STRESSED out university students have been given some 'puppy love' in a bid to forget their exam worries.

Queen's University Belfast students took time out from their exam preparation and coursework deadlines onThursday as part of an initiative to help them de-stress.

Guide Dogs NI said research has shown that interaction with dogs can reduce the amount of cortisol, a stress-producing hormone that our brains make.

Findings also show that dog-owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those who live without pets.

The 'Guide Dogs and Chill' experience at the students' union yesterday provided the chance to learn how puppy therapy calms people, especially with exams, dissertation and coursework deadlines looming.

Ten guide dog puppies of all shapes and sizes as well as working guide dogs and their owners were at the even to show students first-hand how the dogs change lives.

It allowed students the chance to meet the pups and benefit from their cortisol-busting abilities to help them bounce back to revision feeling refreshed.

The event was also part of the 'Are Ye Well?' campaign run by the students’ union, which is also offering students pilates, yoga and self-defence classes.