School Dog
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My name is Alfie and I’m the new dog here at Buntingford First School! I am a golden Labrador who is so excited to be part of this amazing school community and I promise to be the best furry friend you could ask for.
During school hours I will be spending a lot of time helping Mrs England with a variety of jobs including: being a listening ear (and as everybody knows, dogs can hear a lot better than humans); reading support and small intervention groups. Some days, I may join a class for a lesson or two if it will enrich the experience in some way or I may go out at breaktimes to see whether anyone will let me join in with their play. You may also catch me on the gates to greet you in the mornings or to wag my tail at you when you leave at the end of the day.
A lot of research studies have shown the benefits of having dogs like me in schools. Did you know dogs have been working in schools across the UK for over 5 years? However, they have been in American and Australian schools for a lot longer than that. My furry friends and I are great for lots of proven benefits, such as:
• Cognitive development – companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving, game-playing and can improve reading skills.
• Emotional development – a school dog improves self-esteem, acceptance from others and lifts mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieving anxiety.
• Physical development – interaction with a pet reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives motivation to move, walk and stimulates the senses.
• Environmental benefits – a dog in a school contributes towards the creation of home style environment, with all of the above benefits continuing long after the school day is over.
• Social benefits – a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, wellbeing, developing social skills and focused interaction with others.
I can’t wait to meet each one of you and be your pawsome school buddy!
