A PUPPY party proved the perfect treat for hundreds of stressed out students as the dreaded “fifth week blues” set in.
A dozen cuddly canines were brought in to help Oxford University students relax ahead of their exams.
The event held at St Giles Church was set up by a partnership between Guide Dogs UK and the Oxford Law Society.
President of the law society, Nicholas Wood, said: “The aim of the event is to promote welfare at Oxford University. Given that the problem of mental health is especially acute at Oxford, and that the university’s and the NHS’ resources are naturally stretched, we want to play our part in helping members de-stress and relax.
“We have timed this event to coincide with Oxford’s infamous ‘fifth week blues’ – the time in the fifth week of term that the pressure of work and deadline really starts to hit students.
“It has been really positive, I think people really appreciated getting away from work. It is something different, a space to relax.”
The society got in touch with Guide Dogs UK to organise the event and the charity helped supply the four-legged friends.
Dogs and their owners joined with 300 students to provide a calming environment to de-stress.
Denise Bright works with Guide Dogs UK looking after one the breeding dogs called Kristal.
She said: “We have had her since she was one year old and so far she has had three litters and 24 puppies. She is five years old now and she will have one more litter.
“Kristal is just fantastic, so calm and just loves to be made a fuss of so this kind of event is ideal for her and the students.”
Rob Macleay, from Guide Dogs UK, organised the event and added: “This is the fifth event we have done of this type, this time it is to get the dogs involved with students.
“It is a chance for them to engage with the students but also for the owners to get together and the dogs a bit of fuss.
“When they have their harness on it is like a switch they know they are working, but once it is off it is their time to be dogs.”
The free event was set up using an online ticketed process that saw all places booked up within four minutes of release.
A feedback board was set up for students and comments included “Best 20 minutes of the week” and “these 20 minutes have given me life”.
Olivia Siutkowska, 19-year-old law student, said: “I love dogs and it has been so relaxing being around animals. It is such a great idea and the students have been really keen.”
Partially sighted Gavin Hageman took along his 18-month-old guide dog Richie, he added: “It is amazing, students coming up to the end of term exams are obviously stressed and they see the dogs and you see the smile on their faces grow.
“It just lifts people and it is nice to see, but also makes me feeling like I am doing something for Guide Dogs UK.”
Workplaces can organise their own puppy party by contacting Guide Dogs UK.
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