School Therapy Dog
15th Oct 2025
Dear Parents,
As part of our Whole School Nurture Approach, we are delighted to welcome back, Bethan and her collie Cali to visit St. Dympna’s PS. For our new families, Cali is our school therapy dog.
Therapy dogs provide many benefits. They help children learn compassion, empathy,
responsibility, respect, and self-discipline. Therapy dogs offer comfort and
non-judgmental love. Studies have proven that even a short amount of time with a dog
can decrease levels of anxiety and increase emotional security.
Cali will return tomorrow, Thursday 16th October at 1pm. This will be an opportunity for Cali to familiarise herself again with our school, through a walkthrough of the school and outside grounds. She will be on a lead during the entire visit and will be supervised by her owner Bethan. Pupils will be allowed to pet Cali, should they wish, but if your child would prefer to keep at a safe distance, that will also be fine.
Please note, as a therapy dog, Cali has received and is up to date on all necessary vaccinations and certifications and undergone extensive training to become a Therapy Dog. Please be reminded, school staff will be in attendance at all times.
We hope that over this year, Cali will be able to support small groups of pupils. Permission will be sought before Cali works with individual pupils for a period of time.
If your child has any allergies to dogs, or if you prefer for your child not to interact with the therapy dog, please ring the school office or email omeenagh641@c2kni.net before 12noon tomorrow.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Yours sincerely.
Mrs Orla Meenagh
PRINCIPAL
As part of our Whole School Nurture Approach, we are delighted to welcome back, Bethan and her collie Cali to visit St. Dympna’s PS. For our new families, Cali is our school therapy dog.
Therapy dogs provide many benefits. They help children learn compassion, empathy,
responsibility, respect, and self-discipline. Therapy dogs offer comfort and
non-judgmental love. Studies have proven that even a short amount of time with a dog
can decrease levels of anxiety and increase emotional security.
Cali will return tomorrow, Thursday 16th October at 1pm. This will be an opportunity for Cali to familiarise herself again with our school, through a walkthrough of the school and outside grounds. She will be on a lead during the entire visit and will be supervised by her owner Bethan. Pupils will be allowed to pet Cali, should they wish, but if your child would prefer to keep at a safe distance, that will also be fine.
Please note, as a therapy dog, Cali has received and is up to date on all necessary vaccinations and certifications and undergone extensive training to become a Therapy Dog. Please be reminded, school staff will be in attendance at all times.
We hope that over this year, Cali will be able to support small groups of pupils. Permission will be sought before Cali works with individual pupils for a period of time.
If your child has any allergies to dogs, or if you prefer for your child not to interact with the therapy dog, please ring the school office or email omeenagh641@c2kni.net before 12noon tomorrow.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Yours sincerely.
Mrs Orla Meenagh
PRINCIPAL
