March 9, 2018 4.15 pm This story is over 72 months old

Labradorable: Guide dogs help Lincoln students to de-stress

Pet the stress away.

A pair of guide dogs are visiting students at the University of Lincoln as a way to help them relax.

Bridie and Quaver have been in the university library all afternoon calming down stressed-out students and raising money for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Photo: Lewis Foster for The Lincolnite

It’s part of Study Happy week, a series of events organised by University of Lincoln Student Life and the University Library to help student wellbeing and mental health.

It’s a welcome break for those completing their dissertations and preparing for upcoming exams and assessments.

Alexandra Foxley-Johnson, University of Lincoln media and events graduate intern, said: “The library and Student Life have collaborated for the past week to promote wellbeing, taking a time out and studying in a positive way.

“We’ve had free tea, a visit from a masseuse, meditation and chats about studying in a positive manner. Today we’ve also had guide dogs in as a nice bonus

Photo: Lewis Foster for The Lincolnite

“Guide Dogs for the Blind are a really good charity. It’s great to get it out there and promote what they do. This event gives the dogs a chance to come here and get some fuss.

“The dogs work really hard and it’s much deserved. The dogs aren’t working today, they’re just getting some love and helping to raise money to train other animals just like them

“The whole point of this week has been to promote taking a break from studying. In the library we get so many students who are stressed out to the point where they can’t work anymore. It’s not a positive thing.

Photo: Lewis Foster for The Lincolnite

“Something like coming and petting a dog for five minutes can really change a students mood. We’ve had people come in and just say this has made my day, this has made my week, it’s been a really positive thing.”