http://news.stv.tv/scotland/260486-s...tudents-at-glasgow-caledonian/

A stress-busting Pug has been recruited to help students beat exam stress.

Hank the pug came in to Glasgow Caledonian University to offer cuddles to students feeling under pressure.

The little dog was recruited by Sinead Wylie, who heads up well being for GCU's student association.

The students association hosted the Hug a Pug day on Wednesday, borrowing the dog from GCU activities officer Monika MacDonald.

Around 70 exam-ridden students turned up for the two hour session to snuggle up to the animal, while he took their minds off their studies.

The two-hour session was held at the university as part of a stress-busting week to help students struggling with exam pressure.

The GCU students association have also arranged relaxation workshops, and handed out water and stress-management leaflets in the library.

But Hank has been by far the most popular way of beating exam blues.

Miss Wylie, 24, said: “No one came to the relaxation workshop, but Hank was incredibly popular. It was a great success.

“It was the novelty of it, and he is so cute, nobody could resist him.

“Having Hank in was just another way of helping students. It was great to have something fun happening on campus.


Hank settled into his new role with gusto, and lapped up the extra attention.

Sinead said: “He was quite happy. People were stroking him and throwing a ball for him, so he really enjoyed it too. People were just loving it.

“We would love to do it again, and are hoping to work with an organisation to have something more formal. But if not, I'm sure Monika would be happy to bring Hank in again.”

After meeting Hank, student Emma Edwards, who had an exam on Thursday, tweeted that she was "feeling calm" after her cuddle with the animal.

She said: "Hugged Hank the pug in uni today as a stress release from exam shiz".