They’re two of the most popular figures at Aberdeen University, offering students a welcome paws from the stresses of studying for exams.
Pablo and Ollie Baird have been helping freshers to settle into university life, providing comfort to those who may be feeling homesick or just being a companion to anyone wanting to chill out.
The big-hearted spaniels are no strangers to university life, and have been travelling to the campus with their owners, John and Emily Baird, for years.
Mr Baird, a senior lecturer in the school of biological sciences and his wife, a disability advisor within Student Support, decided that Pablo and Olly would be ideal candidates to register with the charity, Pets as Therapy (PAT).
The two dogs were put through their paces and are now fully qualified volunteers, having come through the application process with flying colours.
In order to become a registered ‘therapet’, Pablo, a Brittany Spaniel, and Ollie, a Springer Spaniel, had to demonstrate they could walk relaxed on a lead and show they accepted being stroked and handled.
They also had to highlight they would be comfortable with strangers patting them without feeling worried or being spooked by sudden noises or disturbances.
Mr Baird said: “Ollie and Pablo have been coming to work with me for years and are well known within the School of Biological Sciences – I’m under no illusion that the reason I get lots of visitors to my office is because of the boys.
“There’s a lot more to find out about the really positive aspects of dog-human interactions, but it’s now known that dogs and humans have the same hormonal response when we look into each other’s eyes.
“We both release oxytocin, which is sometimes called the ‘love hormone’.
“They’re great dogs and have fantastic temperaments, so when Emily suggested we get them registered with PATS, it seemed like a terrific idea – now they can spread their canine joy in an official capacity!”
The duo visit the Hillhead community lounge every Thursday night from 7pm to 9pm for Chill with Canine Companions.
Mrs Baird added: “Ollie and Pablo are Therapy Dogs, so they can help to provide stress relief, improve social interaction and enhance self-esteem.
“But also, it’s just fun to be around some friendly hounds.”
