'He’s done wonders for some of the kids in the school': Cork Educate Together dog Guy ‘graduates’

A ceremony was held at Cork Educate Together to celebrate the graduation of My Canine Companion therapy dog Guy.

Colm O’Connor, school principal, explained that he had visited Limerick Educate Together last year and they had a school dog “and I could see straight away the impact on staff and students, so we decided it would be a good thing to pursue”.

“There’s substantial training before they come to the school, then there’s a gradual process of acclimatisation: The dog starts two days a week and builds up. He’s full time in the school now, he takes his breaks with students and has his naps. He spends most of his time with the students in the autism class, but he also spends time in mainstream classes.”

Mr O’Connor added: “He’s the most loved member of the school community, he’s very gentle and affectionate and really good for everybody.”

Richard Fitzgerald, SNA in the school and Guy’s handler, with whom the dog lives outside of school, explained the dog’s role.

“Guy is a trained therapy dog. He’s trained to assist people and calm them down and he’s trained to go on buses and trains, so we can take him anywhere. He’s been on school trips to Fota and Mahon Point with us.

“He’s got a wonderful personality. He’s a very calm, relaxed dog and when the children get upset, he will go sit beside them; they can give him a hug and feel a bit better.

“He’s done wonders for some of the kids in the school, and they’re absolutely mad about him; you’ll walk around the school with him and everyone smiles when they see him and gives him a rub.

“He’s a year in the school now, and he just fits in perfectly here. He’s naturally so calm, and we’d be quite a laid back school.”

The main sponsor for the dog is Martin Twomey Bus Hire, because it can be very expensive to have a dog in the school.

The graduation ceremony featured music from the school choir and a celebration of My Canine Companion, with the school’s LCVP class having raised €600 through bake sales and a raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses.