It’s all going to the dogs: Puppy room could be coming to campus

Are puppies the new Valium… Notts is starting to think so.

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After a successful trial carried out at Canadian university, a Nottingham psychology student has suggested that a special puppy room be created temporarily to relieve stress during the exam period.

The idea has been submitted to the Student Union’s CHANGE IT service, receiving positive   feedback so far.

The suggested puppy room is based on “the proven therapeutic benefit of animals for the benefit of relaxation” according to Robyn Lawes (2nd year psychology student).

“I believe that at times of high stress that a facility where students can seek the refuge and work in the company of animals, should be made available to students.”

After trials in Dalhousie University were announced, the social media storm which followed ranked in the hundreds of thousands. According to the Daily Mail, Abby Bryant wrote, ‘AWESOME!’ and Athea Costello wrote: ‘This is the best idea ever!!’

The idea has since spread to American universities, popping up at Penn State. Mike Makowski acclaimed, “Puppy therapy has been the best thing to ever happen to this campus!”

Despite, the buzz surrounding the new idea, some have voiced concerns. Katie Street, (3rd year philosophy student) commented: “Puppies and sunshine have been proven reduce depression more effectively than anti-depressants, but at the end of the day they are animals and should have homes and permanent loving families. Not a play pen on a university campus. Sounds a bit weird to me.”

Another student, James Ince came up with an alternative suggestion: “Sex releases endorphins, doesn’t it? Why not get some prostitutes instead?”