Pupils at Penybont Primary School had a class they won’t ‘fur-get’ as Rylie the border collie joined their reading group for the day.
As part of an initiative to introduce workshops and education around animal care and welfare, Cariad Pet Therapy joined forces with like-minded social enterprise Because Animals Are Worthwhile to bring their popular sessions to the Bridgend school.
Year Two pupils had the chance to have their usual reading lesson in the company of Rylie, a therapy dog specially trained to have a calming influence, and found they were more relaxed during the class with the pressure taken off their reading.
It’s thought that the therapy dogs’ non-judgmental and comforting presence helps children with their confidence to read aloud and evokes more enthusiasm for the lessons, which is having a positive effect on their progress and literacy development.
Based at Caerphilly coworking hub, Welsh ICE, Because Animals Are Worthwhile is planning further school-based activities across South Wales, dedicated to allowing children to become comfortable around animals, teaching them about their proper care and championing responsibility when it comes to owning pets.
Director of Because Animals Are Worthwhile, Chloe Carter said: “Not only was this really important for the children’s reading and attitude towards it, but it was vital contact time with an animal for the generation who will be responsible pet owners in the future. It’s so valuable for children to become familiar with animals from a young age and learn about the care they require to reduce the number of stories we hear about abuse, neglect and abandonment going forward.
“We want to share our love for animals and give children the chance to enjoy being around them but we also want to convey that owning an animal is an important commitment and emphasise the responsibilities involved in keeping them happy and healthy. This all goes towards our goal of providing education surrounding animals alongside the curriculum and we look forward to facilitating these opportunities again for more schools.”
Penybont Primary School were delighted with the session and reported positive feedback from the pupils who took part. Headmaster Robbie Owen said: “It’s always beneficial to provide some variation in children’s routines and hosting Chloe and Cariad Pet Therapy for this reading session was a brilliant way to inject some excitement into the regular class.
“The children were supported throughout and had the freedom to be as close to Rylie as they felt comfortable. They all fed back with huge enthusiasm and are already asking when they can have another day with therapy dogs.
“We look forward to welcoming the team back again for more sessions!”
Caroline Davies, Animal Wellness Manager at Cariad Pet Therapy was equally pleased with the day’s success, saying: “The visit to Penybont Primary School was a great triumph and we’re so proud that Rylie had such a beneficial impact on the pupils. It is also important to ensure that the dog is getting an equally positive experience from any visit.
“The excellent feedback we’re receiving from our various sessions across West and South Wales is a great sign that more people are discovering the amazing effects animals can have on our mental health and we hope to reach more people with our service going forward.”
