Meet Ozzy and Lenny - our Dog Mentors!
Ozzy
Hi! My name is Ozzy and I am one of the Dog Mentors here at Hope Community School. I am a Labrador Retriever and when I'm not working in school, I live with Mrs Donnelly - my dog mummy! As I'm under 18 months old, I'm still considered a puppy, but I have already shown to be very wise and mature.
Mrs Donnelly is trained to be my handler in school, and as well as successfully completing my Dog Mentor training (where my assessor Jenny called me super-intelligent and a fantastic dog mentor!) I am also being trained as an assistance dog for ADHD and Autism support.
My favourite things to do when I am with children are:
- Showing off my tricks like spin, paw and ring the bell
- Listening to children read
- Taking children on walks (they need lots of exercise you know!)
- Helping children when they feel worried or sad (I'm an amazing listener!)
My favourite things to do when I am not working are: chewing stuff (especially my mummy's trainers), chasing balls and going for long walks in the woods.
Lenny
Hi! My name is Lenny and I am one of the Dog Mentors here at Hope Community School. I am a Cavapoo and I am 10 years old so I'm an expert in all things dog. When I am not working in school, I live with Ms Pool - my dog mummy!
Ms Pool is trained to be my handler in school, I originally trained under the Pets as Therapy Programme and then, in June, I too successfully completed my Dog Mentor training, where I proved an old dog can learn new tricks!
My favourite things to do when I am with children are:
- Listening to children read
- Enjoying a nice snuggle
- Helping children when they feel worried or sad
My favourite things to do when I am not working are: cuddling my mummy, enjoying run around off lead and being fussed by anyone and everyone. My favourite part of the week has to be Sunday as I have a roast dinner with the family!
What are the benefits of dogs in schools?
There are lots of benefits to having a dog in school. Research has shown that this includes:
- 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. When feeling sad, a simple stroke or cuddle can help improve mood and reduce stress.
- 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 a 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.