Mahon primary school welcomes new therapy dog

A NEW therapy dog has been welcomed into a school community with open arms.

Therapy dogs in schools are becoming increasingly seen as important supports for students, with several schools across Cork city and county taking in therapy dogs in recent times.

Last year, local secondary school, Nagle Community College, introduced their therapy dog, Floyd, to their students and staff.

The school has since highlighted on a number of occasions the important impact Floyd has had among the school community.

This year, Holy Cross National School has introduced their very own therapy dog to students and staff at the local primary school.

In a statement on social media last week, the local primary school said: “Meet Steve, our new school therapy dog!

“Steve is an 11-week-old, Irish Doodle puppy who will be joining our school staff from this week. We look forward to all working together to train Steve and welcome him to our school community.

“If any parent does not wish for their child to interact with Steve, please contact the office to let us know,” the school advised further.

“Steve looks forward to seeing all of our boys and girls on Thursday! Woof-woof!”

Welcoming their new neighbour to the local area, Nagle Community College said: “Floyd is looking forward to meeting his neighbour Steve, the new school therapy dog at Scoil na Croise Naofa. Come and meet Floyd at our annual Open Night on Tuesday, September 19, at 6.30pm,” the secondary school added.

Many therapy dogs are provided by Cork-based charity, My Canine Companion

My Canine Companion is an Irish national charity which provides accredited service dogs to people with disabilities, predominantly autism. In addition MCC provides a range of therapy dog services and autism awareness programmes.