Seeing Eye Dogs play a vital role in helping those who are blind stay mobile and active in the community, but a faithful Labrador can help people in so many ways – as the children of Diamond Valley Special Developmental School have recently discovered.
The school has become home to a black Labrador named Faith, who has already become a much-loved member of their family.
Diamond Valley Special Developmental School works with students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and has been operating in Greensborough for more than 25 years.
In such an environment, dogs can provide a calming, motivating and reassuring presence that can help student relax, learn and enjoy their time at school.
Diamond Valley originally contacted SEDA to see if any released dogs may be suitable to join their school.
Stewart Blair, National Manager Operations at SEDA, was keen to help but unfortunately no suitable dogs were being released from the program.
Recognising the school’s need and the opportunity to help, Stewart contacted breeder Kylie Britt of Kaslam Labs who has previously supplied a number of puppies to the SEDA training program.
Luckily, Kylie had the perfect candidate available, and generously donated Faith to the school. With a quick check-up and some basic preparation provide by the SEDA team in Kensington, Faith was on her way to Diamond Valley.
Caitlin Mitchell from Diamond Valley Special Development School said Faith is so gentle, caring and accepting and is just perfect for the school.
“Faith has spent her first few weeks getting to know the school, accompanying the students on morning walk and at outside play times. She has spent time in the classrooms and been on lots of community access walks, too,” she said.
At break times, Faith is fitted with three leads, allowing multiple students to experience the joy of walking her through the grounds.
“Some of our students, at times, can become very anxious or upset. She will happily and very calmly sit beside a student who is distressed or having a hard time. She has also met a number of students, who were feeling a bit anxious about coming to school, at their bus or car in the morning to help them with the transition.”
“Thank you so much to Kylie Britt and all the wonderful people at Vision Australia who were involved in getting Faith to us. We are so thrilled to have her and so excited for what she will bring to our school and community in 2015,” Caitlin said.
The school has become home to a black Labrador named Faith, who has already become a much-loved member of their family.
Diamond Valley Special Developmental School works with students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and has been operating in Greensborough for more than 25 years.
In such an environment, dogs can provide a calming, motivating and reassuring presence that can help student relax, learn and enjoy their time at school.
Diamond Valley originally contacted SEDA to see if any released dogs may be suitable to join their school.
Stewart Blair, National Manager Operations at SEDA, was keen to help but unfortunately no suitable dogs were being released from the program.
Recognising the school’s need and the opportunity to help, Stewart contacted breeder Kylie Britt of Kaslam Labs who has previously supplied a number of puppies to the SEDA training program.Luckily, Kylie had the perfect candidate available, and generously donated Faith to the school. With a quick check-up and some basic preparation provide by the SEDA team in Kensington, Faith was on her way to Diamond Valley.
Caitlin Mitchell from Diamond Valley Special Development School said Faith is so gentle, caring and accepting and is just perfect for the school.
“Faith has spent her first few weeks getting to know the school, accompanying the students on morning walk and at outside play times. She has spent time in the classrooms and been on lots of community access walks, too,” she said.
At break times, Faith is fitted with three leads, allowing multiple students to experience the joy of walking her through the grounds.
“Some of our students, at times, can become very anxious or upset. She will happily and very calmly sit beside a student who is distressed or having a hard time. She has also met a number of students, who were feeling a bit anxious about coming to school, at their bus or car in the morning to help them with the transition.”
“Thank you so much to Kylie Britt and all the wonderful people at Vision Australia who were involved in getting Faith to us. We are so thrilled to have her and so excited for what she will bring to our school and community in 2015,” Caitlin said.