As part of our Whole School Nurture Approach, we were delighted to welcome a school therapy dog from the charity ‘Pets as Therapy’.
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.
This week, we welcomed Bethan and her collie Cali to visit St. Dympna’s PS. This was an opportunity for Cali to become familiar with the school and outside grounds. She visited all the classes, while some pupils had an opportunity to take her for a walk and pet her. Thank you to Bethan her owner who brought Cali to St. Dympna's and supervised the visit.
We plan for Cali to return at the start of next Term, when different groups of pupils will have an opportunity to work and play alongside Cali.
This was a wonderful experience for our pupils and we are very excited to be implementing this initiative at St. Dympna's!
