Ludgershall primary school introduces therapy dog

Wellington Eagles Primary school has introduced their new therapy dog, a 12-week-Cocker Spaniel named Lillibet.

The school was inspired to get a therapy dog by the work done at the Wellington Academy, which has a therapy dog called Duke as part of its team.

With much research showing that therapy dogs benefit education by supporting students and helping them regulate their emotions, the primary school made the decision to acquire a therapy dog.

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Lillibet was introduced to students in a special assembly taking place on Monday, October 3.

With regards to training Lillibet as a therapy dog, headteacher Sarah Johnson-Motyl said: “We will be working closely with Amy Wood who is the founder of the 'Dogs for Health' charity and works with many schools in the area including The Wellington Academy.

Amy Wood with Lillibet (Image: Wellington Eagle Primary)“Amy will be helping us when introducing Lillibet to pupils, especially for children who may be nervous or need support around animals.”

Ms Johnson-Motyl also explained how the school chose the name Lillibet for its new, four-legged friend: “She is named after our late Queen Elizabeth, and we feel the name Lillibet will remind us of how she was a fantastic role model and represented all of our school values.

“We also wanted to get the children involved in the naming process, so they have chosen the middle name of Rose.”

Students spend time with Lillibet (Image: Wellington Eagles Primary)In keeping with the royal theme, Lillibet Rose will have her own red case which will be sent to children so they can share their work and reading books by putting them in the case and have special time with the dog if they need a place to talk.

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Lillibet will primarily support children with special education needs, as well as vulnerable and service children.

She will also visit classrooms and welcome pupils at the beginning of the school day.

When not on duty, Lillibet will live with Ms Johnson-Motyl and her five children.

Dogs For Health is a non-profit organization founded in 2020 which offers animal assisted therapy, interventions, and education.

More information about the charity can be found on its website dogsforhealth.org.uk.