“It’s the dog – look!” whispered three girls in the corridors. Another gasped: "Oh my God!" from across the yard, as a boy nudged his friend, and echoed: “Look – it’s the dog!"
Little 10-week-old Pluto, a Labradoodle, has made quite the impression at St. Kevin’s College, Lisnaskea where he will serve as a therapy dog.
On Thursday morning, he was making himself at home, resting in Principal Garry Kelly’s office and receiving lots of attention from both Mr. Kelly and his staff, with many remarking on how "gorgeous", "soft" and "lovely" the pup was.
Garry Kelly, Principal, St. Kevin's College, Lisnaskea, with Pluto, the new therapy Labradoodle.John McVitty - 07771987378.
Pluto will be fostered by Kirsty Gallagher, one of Saint Kevin's College's Agriculture teachers, where he will rest in his downtime and continue his training.
Ms. Gallagher is thrilled to be taking care of Pluto and is excited about his positive impact on the students at Saint Kevin's College.
Animal-assisted therapy has been gaining traction in numerous settings, and Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland has a wealth of experience supporting children with assistance dogs.
“There is huge research about therapy dogs and assisted animal therapy for autistic children,” explained Ms. Gallagher.
“There are times when a student with ASD could have an episode where a staff member may not get to them, but there is so much research and so much evidence that you can send the dog in, and he’ll know what to do, either put his head on the child’s lap, or put his head under his hand.
“Students who find it hard, with social or emotional difficulties, that may find it hard to communicate, research shows that they [assistance dogs] work well, because a dog is a non-judgemental listener and they [students] know they are listening, and will feel so much more comfortable listening to them.”
Mr. Kelly added that Pluto has caused great excitement amongst the student body at St. Kevin’s.
“His name was chosen following a competition using Google Forms, where students voted.
“The charity said his name had to begin with ‘P’, as all of the litter had their name beginning with that.
“There were 11 pups in his litter, and they went to a few different Special Educational Needs schools, and children with autism and their families.
“His mother and father are assistance dogs; his grandparents are assistance dogs, and his great-grandparents are assistance dogs – they have come from a line. They are specifically bred for this.”
He noted that when Pluto is fully-trained, he will be worth £10,000.
Pluto gets to mix with the students at St.Kevin's College.
Explaining the dog's role, Mr. Kelly said: “He will lie down when he is not doing anything, and when he has something to do, he will then get up.
“We have had assistance dogs in the school as a wee trial, and their role is when they are not working, they sit down and don’t move, and when they are required on command they will move.”
One thing of note when it comes to Pluto becoming part of school life is how the request came directly from students via the Student Council, as the school worked toward their Autism NI charter mark.
James McDermott, gets to meet Pluto for the first time.
The motion was proposed by students James McDermott and Shea Little.
Explaining why he proposed for a therapy dog to become part of school life, James said: “I thought it was a good idea. Some people like the dogs, it’s a helpful thing.
“I have a wee brother who has autism and Down’s syndrome, and we bought him a dog and it seems to help other people.”
When asked if it was a nice surprise to meet Pluto in the school, he replied: “I am surprised! I didn’t think it was going to happen – that’s the truth.”
The two became fast friends upon their meeting, with Pluto giving James a lick on the nose as he was interviewed.
The school has recently received the Autism NI charter mark after a series of initiatives and hard work by students, staff and the Board of Governors, with several new features now available at the school including a positivity pod and a sensory room.
Mylo McMackin and Niamh-Avis Cassidy, getting to meet Pluto in The Sensory Room at the school.
Niamh-Avis Cassidy, who met Pluto for the first time alongside fellow student Milo McMakin, said: “He is amazing. I think he will make a lot of people happier."
The smiles and faces that lit up the classroom as the newest member of the St. Kevin's family entered showed that Pluto is already making people happier.
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