A new member of staff is bringing 'joy' to stressed students at Newcastle University.
Fourteen-year-old feline Ozzie became an official member of university staff at the start of this term - even picking up an official staff card - and is fast becoming a campus celebrity.
Ozzie, who lives with university Catholic Chaplain Mia Fox, is the university's second campus animal, following in the paw-steps of Bessie the Jack Russell. When Bessie joined the staff team Mia said she knew Ozzie, who was already 'adored' by the Catholic students Mia supports, needed to join the team.
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Mia said: "Spending time with animals is therapeutic, docile animals like Ozzie bring calm. Just being an animal she's non-judgemental, there are no prejudices or preferences. She's very empathetic, she knows if you're struggling and she will come up and sit with you.
"When she's been out and about on a wander she has just known if someone has an issue. I went up to the medical school and a whole load of students came out of an exam and they seemed a bit broken by the exam and they just rushed to meet Ozzie.
"I've known Ozzie since she was kitten and she's always been adorable, and I just wanted to share the joy she brings with students and staff."
Ozzie makes regular appearances around campus with Mia, allowing students to hold and stroke her and posing for plenty of photos. Many of those who came to see her outside the Philip Robinson library on Friday had spotted her location on her Instagram page, whiskers_of_wisdom and had rushed over to say hi.
Many of those who met her agreed that spending time with her had a positive impact on their mental health.
Languages student Ellie Bailey had just finished her last exam of the year, so she decided a little feline therapy would be the perfect way to unwind afterwards.
Ellie said: "Me and my boyfriend have come to see the cat because I'm happy about the fact that I haven't got any more exams and Ozzie definitely makes me feel better."
Physics student Iggi Brooks said: "I was so excited when I found out about Ozzie a couple of days ago, the last time she was here, I immediately bolted out to meet her.
"She's very much a calming presence. Animals have this amazing quality of holding your hand and being a bridge between you and the outside world."
Kate Aitchison, Head of Student Health and Wellbeing, added: "A lot of students really miss their pets when they come to university so being able to spend some time with an animal is a really good thing. It's a bit of time out, a bit of a pause - I think it's been really beneficial recently with exams going on.
"It's about having those home comforts that people miss. She's also something that can become very much associated with the university and people's time at university and I think it can really promote some fondness.
"They can also have more of a relationship with her, it's not just an animal you pass on the street and go 'aww, she's sweet'. They can get to know Ozzie."
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