Millie

Pet Therapy

Having a dog in school, with the appropriate calm temperament can make a hugely positive impact on the children at Hope High School; not only can they be a sensitive, listening companion but they can also be that calming influence that helps our children at times when they need it. Dogs are being used in therapy around the world, and they are recognised as being especially helpful with children who struggle with social, emotional and behavioural issues.

Whether the dog is being read to, or just being there for a pupil, a Therapy dog can be a wonderful addition to any school.

Ways in which a Therapy Dog can help in school:

• Improved academic achievement
• Increase in literacy skills
• Calm behaviour down
• Increase in social skills and self esteem
• Increased confidence
• Teaching responsibility and respect to all life
• Motivating children who are often not that attentive within classroom environments

Hope High School's therapy dog ‘Millie’ lives with the school's Headteacher, Mrs Dunbavin, and her family.

Millie is a beautiful black Labrador who is very energetic, loving and sociable. Millie loves long walks, playing with balls and lots of treats.

Millie regularly visits the vet for check-ups. Whilst there they administer worm and flea treatments as well as make adjustments to her food intake to ensure Millie remains a healthy weight. In addition to the 5 key reasons for Millie joining us outlined in the purpose we also believe she will improve the children’s abilities within the school’s core ethos and help to improve and secure pupil outcomes.

Purpose

1.Dogs teach children responsibility. Having to remember to feed, provide water and show support for a dog can give children a sense of importance and satisfaction that they can’t get from school or other chores. The relationship that develops can be life-changing for a child and a great support system as they themselves continue to grow and develop.

2. Dogs teach children patience. Dogs do not always do as they are told first time!

3. Dogs teach children compassion. Just like humans, dogs feel emotion and pain. They are prone to injuries and the infirmities of age during their relatively short lives.

4. Dogs teach children about socialisation. Like most of us, dogs are social animals who enjoy and need attention and affection. By learning how to interact with a dog, children can learn how to better socialise with other children. If they can learn the social cues of a dog, then interacting with humans who can talk will be a walk in the park (pun intended).

5. Dogs are fun. Last, but certainly not least, dogs are a lot of fun. They greet you with a wagging tail every day and can cheer you up even on your worst day.

Therapy and Visiting Dogs

Our Therapy Dog