Wellbeing/Be You & Disabilty Inclusion

Meet Wally – Our Therapy Dog 

Interview with Wally and Mrs Tilley

 By Xav A and Jesse H 

What are Wally’s favourite treats? 

He really likes sweet potato wrapped in beef jerky as his treat. 

Where does he sleep?

 Wally sleeps in his bed at the foot of the bed. However, around 3am he tries to sneak into bed. It does it as sneaky as a ninja and tries to sleep at our feet. 

Who looks after him when he is not at school? 

Wally doesn’t come to school every day as he needs rest days. Nanny has him for the day or Nana and Pa have him for sleepovers if we go away. 

Who is his favourite teacher, besides you? Oh, it is definitely Mrs Duffy-Fainu’u! 

What are Animal Assisted Interventions? 

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are goal-oriented and structured interventions that intentionally incorporate animals in health, education, and human service for the purpose of therapeutic gains and improved health and wellness.  

A therapy dog falls under the umbrella of Animal-assisted interventions. Any working Animal-assisted intervention dog is therefore trained and assessed for a specific role. 

What is a Therapy Dog? 

Trained Therapy Dogs form part of our wellbeing and engagement approach at BNPS. In 2022, we have welcomed two newly qualified therapy dogs to our school. In previous years, we had Archie, Sid and Frankie as Therapy Dogs, whom together with their handlers, formed a valued part of our school community. 

Research shows that therapy dog programs provide significant benefits for students as the dogs are trained to use their social instincts and learned social skills to provide health, social-emotional and cognitive benefits. 

Being in contact with a therapy dog calms children, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress and promoting a sense of belonging in school. 

Our BNPS Therapy Dogs will also provide social-emotional support to staff and the wider school community, when and where appropriate.