A Support Dog in the Library - the First Steps

Last year, my husband wanted a puppy and I was not so sure.  Then I remembered therapy/support dogs, which are dogs that work in schools (and other places).  I'd read articles about dogs being used to help literacy and knew that our public library also runs a programme that uses therapy dogs as "reading buddies".  I thought this sounded like a wonderful idea and it convinced me to agree to become a puppy owner for the first time.

I discovered that an ex-teacher from our school, now deputy principal at a nearby school, brings her dogs into her school as therapy dogs and she kindly invited me to come and see one in action.  She warned me that having a puppy is like having a baby, which was intimidating, but I think it was a good warning to help me realise what a big commitment it is.  

We investigated what breed of dog would suit our lifestyle (not overly energetic!) and decided on a Cavoodle (a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy or Miniature Poodle).  Cavoodles are known to be very gentle and friendly and their size and appearance is not intimidating to children, which was another factor we took into account when making our choice.  I read that the Toy Cavoodle is slightly more fragile and better suited for older children, and the Miniature is more sturdy, so we went with a Miniature Cavoodle for a primary school environment.

My first step was to approach my principal.  I was sounded her out and provided this one page document for her to consider.  She was enthusiastic and offered to bring my proposal to the Board of Trustees for approval.  

I discovered that another nearby teacher, Kelly Daniel, not only brings her dog to school but has also set up a NZ Facebook page for support dogs that has lots of useful information.  I got to meet Kelly, and included her Dogs on School Grounds policy (from the Facebook page) and Education Gazette article for the BOT to consider.  I added a bit more information about how things would work to my original document (addressing training and toileting).  I also attached a copy of the Canine Good Citizen exercise breakdown, which I said I would work towards passing.

In September, the BOT approved a support dog for the school!  There was an understanding that if the dog was unsuitable for the role then the school wasn't bound to have him continue.  Although I had already contacted a breeder, it wasn't until I got BOT approval that I officially went on their waitlist.

We had second pick of a litter of five, and as the breeder is in Gisborne we had to make our choice from afar.  We asked our breeder for the most calm puppy from the litter rather than choosing by looks.  At the end of January we picked up Milo (named after the main character in "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster).  There was a settling in period, for us and Milo, including a day of despair about three days in, during which we wondered what on earth we were thinking!  

On Monday, Waitangi Day, I took Milo in to show him the library, which fortunately he seemed to approve of.  

On Thursday, I took him for a short visit to meet a few of the senior management and admin staff.  He was very excited to meet everyone (and fortunately well-behaved!).

I have ordered a special high-vis coat so that Milo will be clearly identified as a support dog when he is at school.  We will also be putting a notice in next week's school newsletter and on my library Facebook page so that our parents are introduced to Milo and know the reasons he is at school and what to expect.  Teachers will talk to their classes about Milo, and go over some dog safety information.  I am also going to be working on a list of books with dogs in them, as I hear they are a popular choices to read to dogs!

My husband has a couple of weeks off and I will bring Milo in for a few short visits over this time and see how things go.  My two main priorities are to make sure that Milo is happy and that he is on his best behaviour around our students.