School therapy dog

Therapy dog boosting student and staff wellbeing…in leaps and bounds

Meet Millie, our December Alma Mater cover star and trainee therapy dog who is stealing hearts at St Mary’s College. The one-year-old Old English Sheepdog was first introduced to delighted students in the Junior School when she commenced her training at the start of this year. Her owner and handler, Heather Collet, says the cuddly canine – whose generous fluffy coat and ‘peek-a-boo’ hairstyle is hard to miss around the College – is already having a positive impact on students, who have embraced Millie during her regular classroom visits. “The kids have really bonded well with Millie, and she’s developed a great rapport with students too,” says Heather, who works as an Administrative Assistant in the Junior School. “I’m constantly being approached by students in the playground asking where Millie is and when she will next be visiting the College. They just adore her.” Therapy dogs are becoming increasingly popular in schools and clinical settings, where they are being used to provide social and emotional support and therapeutic outcomes to those individuals they engage with, under the guidance and direction of their owner. Heather says they can provide comfort, reduce stress and help children overcome their fears and self-regulate their emotions. Research also suggests therapy dogs can directly improve student behaviour and class attendance. “Children take great enjoyment from interacting with Millie,” Heather says. “She is such a calming influence and students find it particularly comforting stroking her long coat. “If Millie senses that children are feeling stressed or worried, she will gently lean on them – she’s a bit like a giant weighted blanket! “Sometimes children can get a little overexcited when they first see Millie, but they know that when she has her vest on, she’s in work mode, and they need to ask for permission to pat her.” Millie’s ability to lessen some of the symptoms of anxiety in children, such as a quickened heart rate or breathing, has seen her accompany our College Counsellors and Wellbeing team to work one-on-one with specific Junior School students facing challenges. “She can provide a sense of connection in difficult social situations, which is really important for those students experiencing intense emotions,” Heather explains. “The smile on one student’s face after spending a few hours with Millie was really special.” Millie also has a presence in the Senior School, where she is boosting student confidence and participation in learning activities. “She recently called into a senior classroom – students were doing a pretty heavy maths assignment,” Heather recalls. “Millie’s visit gave them the chance to step away from their desks for a cuddle and a break from their usual routine. The students returned to their task so much more focused and productive afterwards. “She’s also a welcome visitor in the business office. I think staff appreciate the brief distraction she provides, and she really lifts everyone’s mood.” Millie is expected to be fully qualified in 2023, but Heather says her training will be ongoing to ensure she is continually learning new skills and meeting the requirements of her role. In line with the school’s therapy dog program, Millie will have a regular workday at St Mary’s, with teachers able to book her in for a classroom visit once a week on a rotating schedule.

Heather says the pooch will also make an appearance at special College events and during high-stress times such as exams and student immunisations. “The feedback from teachers and parents has been hugely positive. They have already noticed the effect Millie is having on their children, even in small ways, like how she is teaching students key life skills such as responsibility, relationships and empathy,” she says. “Millie had her first staff photo taken this year and she has been given her own ‘off duty’ area where she can relax and unwind when she’s not on-the-job, so she’s officially part of the team.”

Q&A with Millie, our school therapy dog

Name: Ottaba Shez Something Special aka ‘Millie’ Age: One year old (D.O.B 22 September 2021) Breed: Old English Sheepdog Therapy dog accreditation/certification: International Therapy Assessment by Clever Canines and Therapy Paws Tasmania Favourite past time/activity: Socialising, playing tug of war and ‘ball’, and saying ‘hello’ to our chooks Favourite adventure with your family: Going for long walks on the beach and playing with other dogs; cuddle time with my paw-rents Favourite treat: Deer antlers Most impressive dog trick: Playing soccer with an oversized tennis ball and jumping on my grooming table Describe yourself in three words: Sweet, fun-loving, clown.