At Timboon P-12 School we are fortunate enough to have access to two PAWS champions, Sasha and Tank, who enable students to experience safe and enjoyable pet-assisted therapy for people with a range of needs, and to promote the benefits and magic of pet-assisted therapy. Sasha, the golden Labrador works with Librarian, Jenny Evans, and her role is to meet and greet people and make them feel welcome in the library. Sasha wears a bandana while working at school; this tells students that she is a safe dog to pat. She sits with students while they are reading, and is a very perceptive dog who often identifies people who are feeling a little sad or upset; she will independently go and sit with these people. She loves preschool story time with all the little children and is always very gentle with toddlers and babies. A new role for Sasha this year has been working as a therapy dog at the Timboon Hospital, she visits patients and staff regularly. Michelle Fowler’s horse, Tank, and his mate, Tiger, are also part of our PAWS program that aims to educate students about handling animals as well as allowing them to experience the joy animals can bring into our lives by providing an alternative form of emotional support. Students learn how to responsibly care for Tank including brushing, feeding and caring for him in a positive, meaningful manner which can engender a real sense of purpose and pride in the student. A definite reason to PAWS for thought Comments are closed.
|
Archives
March 2024
|