4 minute read
Love, life and Luna
We’ve all seen the YouTube videos – someone is delivered a surprise puppy as a gift and the connection, affection and adoration (from both sides) can be immediate and very emotional. The benefits of caring for an animal and receiving in return unconditional love, comfort and companionship cannot be underestimated.
So, when Luna Peggy Fowler made her appearance at St Margaret’s early in 2021 as a young eight-week-old pup, it was love at first sight for over 1000 students! Luna is a toy cavoodle, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a toy poodle. And while she is officially the school dog, she plays a very important role in the boarding house and has captured the hearts of all its residents.
Head of Boarding Lesa Fowler says that while the benefits of having a school dog is evident for all to see, it is backed by research. ‘It’s been shown that the presence of a dog in an educational setting can support concentration, attention, motivation, and relaxation.
‘This can help reduce some of the inevitable stress of everyday life, which can impact effective learning and performance,’ Ms Fowler said.
Ms Fowler added that when the boarders help care for Luna, it teaches them responsibility in a way that is different from classroom learning. Year 8 boarder Phoebe Webb from Longreach explains that whenever Luna comes to the boarding house, she goes to one year level at time.
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Boarders in that year level will take turns to walk her, and she also joins them after dinner and before prep, where girls meet in the common room to play with her. ‘For me, as I live a long way away and unable to see my pets or animals during the term, Luna helps make up for the loss of my own dogs’ presence. ‘I have loved having Luna in the boarding house and can’t wait to see her when I arrive back at school at the beginning of each term.’
Phoebe added that Luna was an extremely playful character and loved everybody. ‘She is very friendly and happy to do whatever. She does have a streak of mischief in her nature, so we are careful not to leave things lying in the corridor. She jumps around the whole time she is with us, but by the end of her visit, she can be very tired. She loves to snuggle in your arms once the night is over.’ Lily Shan, a Year 12 boarder from Pasha, says that having Luna in the boarding house has been a great way to make the boarding house feel even more like a home.
‘She’s brought a lot of joy, especially on the days when we are missing home,’ Lily said. Lily concurs that Luna is very friendly and playful. ‘Since she was a puppy, she has never been shy or overwhelmed when there’s lots of girls around!’ Bridget Smith, a Year 8 boarder from a property near Mt Isa, said Luna really helped her settle in to the boarding house when she arrived last year. ‘Going from having lots of dogs and animals around to none was a big change for me, but having Luna definitely brought a different light to the boarding house, which has made us all feel happier and comfier in the boarding house environment,’ Bridget said. She agreed that Luna was ‘always full of energy and up for a play’, which seems to be a recurring theme when boarders affectionately talk about Luna who is full of personality. Ms Fowler said that while the girls are loving Luna’s company, they are learning important skills, probably without realising it. ‘Caring for an animal is excellent training for building and sustaining caring relationships in humans. ‘It helps teach empathy, an important life skill, more so in the boarding house where the ability to share and understand another’s perspective and feelings is especially important. ‘Empathy also involves the ability to read nonverbal cues – facial expressions, body language and gestures. As Luna offers nothing but nonverbal cues, it’s important that amidst all the fun and excitement of having her around, the girls learn to appreciate when she is tired or not feeling especially social,’ Ms Fowler said. Luna will turn one this year; for all the love she has shared and troubles she has halved, she will no doubt enjoy a special celebration!
