School Dog – Tiki
Hello…
My name is Tiki and I am one of the most popular members of staff at St Eanswythe’s CE Primary where I work as the school dog.
My role as school dog is challenging and varied but I feel that I am more than up to the task and I love my job. Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of dogs in schools. Therapy dogs have been working in schools across the UK for the past 5 years. However, they have been commonplace in schools in the USA and Australia for many years now. Evidence indicates that areas of potential benefits include:
• 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.
But what does my role as school dog at St Eanswythe’s CE Primary entail? During school hours I have a challenging and ever-changing job. I spenda lot of time helping Miss Laws in year 6, I also support a variety of interventions including: being a listening ear (and as everybody knows, dogs can hear a lot better than humans) and emotional support. I also work as a reading dog where I will listen to children reading me stories and answering questions. Sometimes, I join a class for a lesson or two if it will enrich the experience in some way.
I love being at school and enjoy all the attention I get.
I am a goldendoodle, a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. This means that I do not shed fur, making it highly unlikely that anyone will be allergic to me.
I look forward to meeting you
Lick, lick
Tiki
You can follow my latest activities on my blog!
