After many months of planning, research and anticipation, Green Point Christian College has introduced their very own therapy dog, Bentley.
Bentley and his handler, Janelle Stringer, will visit the College once a week and spend time with students and staff in the Counselling area. Bentley has been specially trained as a therapy dog by the Delta Dog Society to be able to interact with children of all ages.
The College is a pilot school for Delta Dogs on the Central Coast. College Acting Principal, Jane McLarty, said student wellbeing is always top priority, with the addition of Bentley hoped to improve upon the Colleges wellbeing offering.
It is hoped that this program will help those students who find it a challenge to conquer their anxiety and the negative issues that sometimes rule their lives.
Through their research, Delta Society have explored the benefits of having a therapy dog and have found that the dogs impact people physically, socially and emotionally. There is an indescribable kinship shared between dogs and children, and interaction with the dogs has been proven to promote greater selfesteem and wellbeing.
Playing with Bentley for a short time before facing the day at school is hoped to have a calming effect, lift mood and promote laughter and connection, McLarty said.
Source: Media release, Sep 20 Jane McLarty, Green Point Christian College