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Newcastle University has a dog you can borrow for the day and we took her out for walkies!

You can borrow her for up to an hour


Newcastle University have set up an initiative to 'borrow a dog' to help those at the university feel better during their studies.

Bessie, the Jack Russell, who has an office in King's Gate, is available to any student for walks and company.

The Students' Union website acknowledges that animals can help with stress and that they can "provide comfort and mitigate against feelings of isolation and loneliness."

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Bessie giving some well needed support

The scheme is one of a number of ways in which the university is looking to enhance students' wellbeing.

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Sally Ingram, Newcastle University's Director of Student Health and Wellbeing said "taking out a pup has loads of health benefits.

"Time spent with animals can alleviate worry, provide comfort and help people deal with feelings of isolation and loneliness. Combining this with fresh air and exercise is good for physical and mental wellbeing."

In order to maintain a work-life balance, she can only be booked for up to an hour at a time.

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To find out more about Bessie and other university wellbeing initiatives, have a look here.