And they called it puppy love (+video)

Man's best friend isn't just the ideal companion - dogs are also perfect for reducing stress, especially at exam time.

Five SPCA puppies visited the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic yesterday in an arrangement with mutual benefits - love and attention for some needy dogs, and a way for students sitting exams to chill out and unwind.

Mobile and app users view our video of the puppy experience here, at this link.

Student-experience co-ordinator Kirsten Crossan arranged for the SPCA to take puppies to the polytech yesterday, the first week of exams.

"There's lots of evidence out there to show animals reduce stress levels. They bring them in to hospitals and things, so we thought why not try it with our students?"

It was the first time the polytech had tried this approach, although it was something New Zealand universities had done.

Mrs Crossan said the dogs completed their assignment causing lots of laughter from the students.

Tauranga SPCA community liaison and education officer Cheniel Powell said being around students would be good for the puppies. It would help socialise them and make them more adoptable. "Potential owners can see they've been around lots of other puppies and lots of other people in a potentially stressful situation. They are in pens a lot in the shelter, so it's good for them and they sleep well afterwards."

There's lots of evidence out there to show animals reduce stress levels. They bring them in to hospitals and things, so we thought why not try it with our students?

Kirsten Crossan

All five puppies were up for adoption so taking them around the community was a way to get people thinking about adoption, Mrs Powell said. "I've taken puppies to different places and have had them adopted that day. It's great for the puppies."

Early childhood student Teneika Dewhirst, 23, was one of the students who played with a pup. "It's cool to come down and have a break from all your study. You're sitting in a classroom all day and just sitting at a computer screen, it's cool to come down here and forget about everything for a while and just have fun."

Miss Dewhirst, an animal lover, also believed it was a great way to raise awareness for the SPCA.