Meet Milo - Our School Dog
We are incredibly proud of all of our members of staff here at St Augustine’s, but one particular 4-legged member is extremely popular with everyone.
His name is Milo and he is our wonderful school dog.
He was chosen by the breeder as the most suitable in his litter for being good with children and has undergone intensive training to ensure that he is of the right temperament. During his early ‘puppyhood’ he undertook socialisation and obedience training and was introduced slowly to all the children and staff and he is now familiar with his ‘working surroundings’. You often know he is in school as he has a very excited bark and constant waggy tail.
Milo is a Cockapoo and we chose this breed for 2 main reasons – first and foremost, Cockapoos are well known to be very sociable animals, yet placid and laid back and they love human interaction especially with children. Secondly cockapoos do not ‘shed’…so this latter point will hopefully allay most fears regarding allergies. We understand that some children and maybe even adults may still have other allergies and/or concerns around dogs and if they do not wish to interact with the school dog for any reason then this is absolutely their choice.
Milo's name was chosen by all the children in a whole school vote and he is often to be found enjoying a "dress up day" or meeting children at the gate in the morning. He has a passion for football and loves nothing more than a cuddle and a story read to him. If you are very lucky you may on occasions witness his " happy howl" which delights the children, no end. People often comment on his amazing eye-lashes...keep an EYE out for them!
Milo is owned by Mrs. Crook, our Deputy Headteacher who brings him into school on a part-time basis.
But Milo is much more than just a dog...he is also a therapy pet, who has made a big difference to some children who may need additional support.
The value of pet ‘therapy’ is widely accepted as a powerful aid to stimulation and communication. Studies have shown that the presence of companion animals can improve the well-being of children and lower the rate of anxiety, simply by making the environment happier, more enjoyable and less foreboding. With the current climate and the way children and adults have had to adjust to the world changing recently, we decided that it was the appropriate time to have a therapy dog.
We realise that some children have had to deal with massive emotional traumas in their young lives and believe that they benefit from having a school dog that they can find comfort in and have ‘time out’ with. Some children actually call him "my dog" and others who were scared of dogs have slowly grown in confidence to walk him and stroke him.
The rationale behind our decision to have a school therapy pet was as follows:
-To have a pet that the children could interact with and also be of benefit to the children’s social and emotional development.
-For the school to have a pet that is able to live as naturally as conditions allow.
-For the animal to be properly cared for outside of the school day.
It is accepted that interacting with animals is not appropriate for all children but for most it has the potential to provide many positive benefits. There are no diseases associated with Milo and a vet is responsible for all vaccinations and for completing regular health checks and any necessary treatment. Milo is also fully insured to the highest levels.
Milo is never and will never be left alone with a child/children and is always under the supervision of an adult. He has his own designated area with a ‘pen’ and his bed in it and this is away from the children. He is not allowed anywhere else in the school unsupervised. He is never allowed in any areas where there is food preparation going on supervised or otherwise.
Many pupils have experienced the benefits of having Milo at school and there is evidence that Milo is already having a massively positive effect on general well-being.
Please contact Mrs. Crook if you wish to find out any more information about Milo.
