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Mount St Bernard College made the decision to acquire a Therapy

Dog based on significant findings from other educational institutions that staff and student wellbeing was positively affected through interactions with companion animals.

The aim of our Therapy Dog was to improve the physical, social, emotional and cognitive wellbeing of students and staff. A high proportion of our cohort suffer from anxiety. It is well documented that the effective use of dogs in schools can significantly lower anxiety levels in students aged 13 - 18. Dogs can positively influence the mood of students and trigger the release of cortisol in their brains which allows them to move from a negative headspace to a more positive one.