An initiative by Charles Sturt University (CSU) Port Macquarie, the dogs on campus day is an attempt to give students who are busily studying for exams the chance to take a break and pat some cute dogs.

Ruby Simmons, student liaison officer at CSU Port Macquarie, said the dogs on campus event is a good way for students to take a break from study.

“This is the second time we have held an event like this, and after the first one went so well the students asked if we could have another dog event,” Ms Simmons said.

“All the students on campus at the moment are stressed with exams starting next week, so something like this is great for them all to take a break and relax with some four-legged friends.”

She said the doggie event was supported by the local RSPCA and Headspace organisations.

“We are really lucky to have Headspace and the RSPCA come on board and support both the students and of course our lovely dogs,” she said.

“This time of the semester is such a hard time for most students and it is just great they can take even half an hour out of study to relax.”

Jules Jamieson from Headspace Port Macquarie said the dog event was a great thing to do for students.

“Who doesn’t love dogs right? Exams can be such a stressful time for university students and we are just here to provide some free food and let the students know we are here if they need us,” Ms Jamieson said.

Student Scott Gates said coming and hanging with the dogs was a good way to spend a study break.

“I was actually studying all morning and when I found out about the dogs on campus event I want to come over and give a dog a big cuddle,” Scott said.

“I think it is a really relaxing way to spend a study break because the dogs demand attention and to think about something other than uni work is good.”