It’s Professor Pup! Sausage dog is students’ therapist
‘He knows how to work a room’
STUDENTS who feel they’re working like a dog now have a four-legged friend to pour out their troubles to at an English university.
Sausage dog Jimmy Chipolata is believed to be the UK’s first in-house university therapy dog, providing psychological support – and snuggles – for undergraduates in times of stress.
Owner Debra Easter, 45, works alongside her pet at Nottingham Trent University Employability, which provides help for students looking for work placements and careers advice.
She said Jimmy loves being in the limelight, adding: ‘Lots of our staff and students’ wellbeing can improve just by stroking Jimmy and giving him a fuss.
‘Students really like having Jimmy around. He helps them when they [have] presentations or assignment deadlines.’
But Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, branded it ‘pseudo-psychology’ and said snowflake students needed to ‘toughen up’, adding: ‘If they’re getting to 18, 19 and 20 and need a dog to cheer them up then they’ve got a real problem.’
Jimmy, rescued by Ms Easter two years ago, often shows off outfits including a cap and gown and a bowtie on campus.
Ms Easter said: ‘While he might not be on the payroll here…he knows how to work a room and strut up and down the office.’