Puppy power for stressed students

Stressed Palmerston North students took a break from their studies to snuggle up to some furry friends ahead of exams next week.

Massey University students piled into the Students Association lounge on Wednesday to cuddle puppies as part of a week of activities to help relieve stress during study week.

The dogs were brought in from Canine Friends Pet Therapy.

The students also relished the opportunity to leap on a bouncy castle set up on the concourse and devour the candy floss on offer.

Bachelor of Arts social policy student Melissa Amy was one of many who sprawled on the ground nose-to-nose with the dogs.

The 21-year-old has been cramming in study this week before her exams, which begin next week. She also has assignments due this week.

‘‘So it’s double stressful,’’ she said.

‘‘I was actually not going to come to uni today because my bed was needing me more than study and then my friend texted me saying ‘what if I told you there was going to be dogs at uni today’ and I was in the shower and I got here.

‘‘I’ve done study and now I’m petting dogs. Animals are a really a stress relief and make everyone happy and put a smile on your face.’’

Chelsea Loveridge, 20, has been busy preparing for her English and Japanese exams.

‘‘I have to take Japanese extramurally, so I have to teach myself everything.

‘‘I also have multiple assignments due before the end of this week as well.’’

Cuddling puppies was the only break she was giving herself before heading back to the books.

Students Association president Linsey Higgins said the event gave students the opportunity to take a break and have a bit of fun.

‘‘I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity, a lot of students can’t have dogs in their flats, it’s something they really miss.

‘‘Students have been asking for it for a long time now so we thought we’d try and deliver.

‘‘It gives them the opportunity to get out of the library for a moment and stop studying and just spend sometime getting the affection from an animal.’’

Other activities the association has offered include a ‘‘make a thing’’ day where students could make bunting, learn how to knit or create a stress ball.