A generous donation has resulted in a four-legged companion becoming part of the support staff at a unique Brisbane school.
Sage, a 16-month-old Labrador, has joined the team at Carinity Education Southside as a therapy animal.
The puppy was purchased with a donation from a deceased estate, honouring the benefactor’s desire to help improve educational outcomes for students at the special assistance school for young women.
Sage joins Carinity Education Southside’s existing therapy dog, Tarmac, which has been supporting the school’s students and staff for three years.
“We purchased Tarmac from Empower Therapy Dogs three years ago,” school Principal Leann Faint said. “Due to the overwhelming benefits of having Tarmac at school, we decided to get a second dog from them.
“We have purchased Sage due to the generosity of a kind donor who left some money to Southside in her will.”
Leann said Southside’s two therapy dogs have helped to create “a beautiful calmness over the school”. The animals assist the young people to regulate their emotions and help de-escalate potentially adverse behaviours.
“Students are not as reactive and are able to request time with Sage and Tarmac if they need support in regulating,” Leann said.
Leann said Sage has been warmly welcomed into the school community, supporting students and staff around the Sunnybank campus.
“The students just love Sage, as do the staff. Sage spends most of her time with our support team, so students can have direct contact with her whilst regulating with support staff,” Leann explained.
“Students that need a little time to regulate can sit and have a cuddle or a pat before heading back to class. Tarmac also supports our first aid room when students come to the office with anxiety related symptoms.
“Both dogs meet and greet our students at the start and end of the day and also visit the classrooms.”
