Nala our school community dog is from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) and joined the school in 2020 and is turning 8 this week! HAPPY BIRTHDAY NALA đžâ¤ď¸
Before coming to us, Nala spent her first 12 months with a puppy raiser being trained to ensure she was well-mannered and socialised. From there she moved back to the guide dog training centre where she went to âschoolâ everyday 8a.m. â 4pm for extensive training. When Nala was 18months old, after several meetings and checks of the school, Nala was matched with our school psychotherapist Clair Breen. Upon completing an initial training course and interviews, Clair travelled to Cork where herself and Nala completed a residential training program. While Clair is primarily responsible for Nala; the IGDB remains the owner of the dog during their working life, and they stay connected through their aftercare service with regular compliance checks.
Nala is in school everyday with Clair and she works with her in the therapy room. Clair and Nala also visit tutor class, Chapel, exam rooms and the library on occasion.
Research shows that schools who have incorporated dogs into their communities have reaped the rewards varying from the overall atmosphere of the school to the mental well-being of staff and students. Dogs have been found to contribute to studentsâ overall emotional strength and to a more optimistic approach towards school and contribute to student self-esteem by offering a âfriendâ to connect within the school setting. Our in-school research agreed with the above and showed that Nala reduces stress and increases happiness amongst students who connect with her; and our boarding students mentioned how Nala reduced their homesickness.
I think we can all agree that Nala is a great asset to The Kingâs Hospital School community and we are very privileged to have her.
