Page 18 - Tropic Magazine Issue 34

TROPIC • HEALTH

1. Therapy Dog Kevin
2. Students Jediah O’Connor and
Gypsy Malyon with Kevin

Puppy love

STUDENT WELLBEING
Trinity Anglican School’s first
canine recruit is settling in for
another year of working like
a dog.
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Kevin the Wellness Dog began his mission an intrinsic motivator to support school
to support the health and wellbeing of attendance and participation,” she said.
students at Trinity Anglican School (TAS) “Kevin’s presence at TAS supports student Benefits of
last year and has quickly become the engagement, assists with social skills a therapy dog
students’ best friend. development and aids self-regulation
Building on the school’s reputation and calming. He engages with students Physical
for innovative learning, the four-year- in a variety of ways including individual, Raises oxytocin levels, lowers
old dachshund’s recruitment was small group, and class interventions and cortisol levels, triggers
underpinned by research recognising the across a range of school events.” dopamine release, lowers blood
positive impact animals have on health. As part of his therapy dog training, Kevin pressure, assists with pain
Both Kevin and school counsellor was required to demonstrate a high level management, increases
Amanda Ferry learned new tricks of obedience and good impulse control to activity levels.
through specialised training to become be deemed suitable to work with children
a certified Wellness Dog Therapy Team. in a school environment. Principal Paul Cognitive
According to Ms Ferry, human-pet Sjogren said it’s completely voluntary for
interactions develop the Human Animal students and staff to interact with him Stimulates memory and
problem-solving skills.
Bond (HAB), which has been found to and he is closely monitored
reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels and managed.
while increasing oxytocin, among other “The role of our TAS Wellness Dog is to Social
physiological and emotional benefits. react and respond to people and their Teaches empathy, encourages
“Animals are non-judgmental and provide environment, under the guidance and communication, promotes
unconditional love, therefore acting as direction of his trained owner, greater self-esteem and
improves interpersonal skills,
including responding to
social cues.

Emotional & mental
Lift moods, soothes and
comforts, decreases feelings of
isolation or alienation.

our school counsellor,” he said.
“Recent studies have shown that the
presence of Wellness Dogs can improve
the wellbeing of children and lower
anxiety levels, simply by
making the environment happier and
more enjoyable.”
Kevin is also required to comply with the
school’s strict uniform policy. The sight of
him proudly wearing his bespoke
TAS vest is enough to bring a smile to
anyone’s dial.

MORE: tas.qld.edu.au
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18 • Tropic • Issue 34