Johnty first started coming over to Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in 2014 and was later adopted by the Reverent Peter Neil, BGU’s Vice-Chancellor. Since Johnty has proven to be indispensable, whether it is work-related stress or general stress of missing a house pet, Johnty has it covered.
Caitlin Russel, sports coaching and physical education major at BGU said: “Johnty supports students in one way or another. Some students are a lot more involved and actively seek him out for a bit of a stroke. Personally, I think that universities and business would benefit from a kind of work pet. I mean there’re loads of organisations that have support animals, with sessions where dogs have been brought in for mental health, that you can book in to just sit with the pet and calm yourself down.”
Kieran Wiseman, Marketing and Events Coordinator at Bishop Grosseteste Student Union added:
“It just gives students something to follow, something lighthearted that you don’t get much of these days. He is really a great animal to have on campus and is a much-loved mascot of Bishop Grosseteste.”
Johnty, now has a staff ID and his very own Facebook page under the name Johnty Universitycat, and is used as an engagement tool by the university to involve and interact with students creating a unique community feeling.
