The Foundation Phase had the pleasure of welcoming Harrie, the therapy dog to school on Thursday. He visited as part of our Health and Well-Being week and all the children enjoyed spending some time getting to know him. We look forward to welcoming him back again soon.
20 Benefits of a therapy dog visit
1. Makes people smile
2. Provides staff wellbeing and helps with recruitment and retention
3. Reduces stress and anxiety
4. A distraction from difficult news/events
5. Lowers blood pressure
6. A non-judgemental presence
7. Reduces loneliness and social isolation in the elderly
8. Improves mood and provides comfort
9. Increases feel good hormone
10. Mutual benefit to dog and volunteer
11. Connects children with their curriculum, peers and teachers
12. Provides a sense of normality in healthcare settings
13. Promotes physical activity and motivation
14. A perfect icebreaker
15. Helps with reminiscence in dementia patients
16. Assists engagement during group therapy
17. Enables a safe channel for communication
18. Can be long lasting in its impact on wellbeing
19. Improves self-worth, self-esteem and can aide self-reflection
20. Helps children with oracy and literacy by reading to the dog
