Dogs interview hopeful vet students at this university

Anyone who’s ever been to an interview—whether it’s for a job or university application—knows how stressful the entire process can be.

But what if your interviewers had cold, wet noses, and were a whole lot fluffier?

Photos: Edinburgh Napier University

Because that’s the case at Edinburgh Napier University, where a family of cute Labradors are now part of the process that determines which students are admitted into a veterinary nursing program.

Hopeful yet nervous students walk into the room expecting to meet stern-faced professors—only to be greeted by Mum Tia, Dad Simba, and their puppy Fern. These Fox Red Labradors are even dressed accordingly, wearing neckties and name tags befitting their jobs as “interviewers.”

Vets need to possess a number of skills. They need to be comfortable with animals, be able to play and communicate with them, and not cause them any needless stress. The program’s human staff has therefore been letting the sweet-natured canines loose among the applicants to ascertain if said applicants have what it takes to be exceptional vets.

“Having dogs present in interviews, in particular, good quality Labradors, tests the aptitude of potential students for dealing with animals,” explained program recruitment officer and lecturer, Jodie Smith.

“The teaching staff watch to see who is most comfortable handling, talking to and playing with the dogs, because this will be an important skill for students to have if they go on to work as a vet nurse,” stated an Edinburgh Napier University spokesman.

In addition, having dogs play “interviewers” also makes the exercise way more fun and relaxing. University life is already as mentally and emotionally taxing as it is.

The dogs in question are no ordinary pooches—they’re training to become therapy dogs with APPAWS, a charity dedicated to helping adults and children with autism.

According to APPAWS: “An autism specific assistance dog can increase social interaction, confidence and safety. They can comfort and protect in times of great anxiety or stress and keep a person safe in times of grave danger by alerting, carrying out deep pressure techniques and distraction. Most of all your child/adult will experience and gain unconditional love and a best friend for life. A guardian angel in the guise of a dog.”

Due to their work ethic, intelligence, and naturally sweet disposition, Labradors are generally in demand for this kind of work.

As of 2016, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular canine breed in America for 25 years in a row (other favorites include the Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Beagle, and Bulldog). Fox Red Labradors are no different from black and yellow labs, except for a slight variation in their genes that produces differently colored fur. — BM, GMA News