Teacher’s pet is big hit with youngsters
APRIMARY school has introduced a ‘therapy dog’ to help their young pupils.
St Peter’s RC Primary, in Newchurch, introduced black Labrador Fable this term, to the delight of children.
A therapy dog is trained to provide affection, comfort and love to people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with anxiety disorders or autism.
They are recommended for use in schools to help children who are struggling with exam stress or other issues, and are usually Labradors for their good temperament.
Headteacher Helen Sullivan said Fable helps their pupils “feel comfortable, more confident and more sociable”.
She said: “We’re delighted with how it’s gone and have had overwhelmingly positive comments from parents, staff and pupils.
“Other schools have also been inspired to consider introducing a therapy dog after hearing about Fable, as her presence has already shown to be hugely beneficial, calming upset children, inspiring others to focus on their learning and improving the mental well-being of all those she meets.
“Access to Fable is very carefully managed and supervised in line with our policy and procedures, and children do not need to have close contact with her if they don’t wish to.
“The welfare of our students and staff is always our top priority, so we took advice from Allergy UK and many other experienced sources and organisations to make sure that any of our children with an allergy would not be put at risk and that we’re doing this in the right way.”
Pupils have also spoken of their delight at sharing the classroom with Fable.
Lexi said: “When I’m feeling sad I can always look to Fable and she’ll cheer me up. She makes me want to get out of bed in the morning on a school day.”
Xander said: “I was feeling upset one day last week so I went to see Fable and straight away I had a smile on my face.”