Patting pooches is helping stressed students cope with exam anxiety.
Therapets Ralph, Holly, Izzy and Jilli have been drafted in to Fife College students calm any nerves.
Arranged by the Fife College Students’ Association, the pups visited Glenrothes campus for the first of three Paws for Stress sessions.
Staged by Canine Concern Scotland Trust, the events aim to help reduce any worries students might have as the academic year draws to a close with exams, assessments and deadlines.
This is the second year that the trust has visited the college during exam time to provide some canine therapy.
HNC broadcast media student Emily Hardie, from Cowdenbeath, said: “I’d had a bit of a stressful morning editing and was walking past the office when I saw them.
“I think it is a great idea to have them come into college.
“I have two dogs myself – they are great companions and really help lower your stress.”
FCSA president Carol Hunter added: “As the end of the academic year approaches, students are working hard to complete their graded units and exams and we want to encourage them to take some time out to relax.
“Studies show that animals, and especially dogs, have a remarkable calming effect, so the therapets sessions give students a chance to sit, paws and fetch their thoughts.
“We are looking forward to the other sessions arranged in addition to other well being incentives that we have organised to help students.”
Gill Coleman, assistant Fife area representative for Canine Concern Scotland, said the team was delighted to be welcomed back to the college.
She said: “Research shows that the mere action of stroking a dog slows down the heartbeat and reduces blood pressure so they can be a great help to anyone feeling nervous about exams and assessments.”
The pups have also visited Dunfermline campus and a third session will be held at the Kirkcaldy campus on May 22.
