Tuam students have warm welcome for Eddie, the Labrador who is already top of the class
A North Galway school has unveiled their newest member – Eddie, the three-year-old Labrador dog.
The new canine recruit works as a therapy, or education, aid for students in Mercy Secondary School, Tuam – and he has already been a huge hit with students.
Scoil Bhride Principal Gearoid Leen has described the dog as an essential part of the learning process within the school.
The pure-bred Labrador is one of just eight community dogs that have been assigned to schools across the country.
This week, the new arrival was introduced to students and parents as part of the learning process. The presence of the dog relaxes students and, apparently, helps with their concentration.
Eddie’s fourth birthday is on March 18, the day after St Patrick’s Day – and, such is his instant popularity, the students have a special celebration in mind.
The newest addition to the secondary school has been trained by the Irish Guide Dogs Association and Eddie, along with his trained handlers Sarah Molloy and Catherine Murphy, now becomes part of the essential learning process within the school.
The Labrador and his handlers work alongside the teachers and educational staff in the school to help reduce stress and increase the learning potential of the students by goal directed interventions.
Together, Eddie and his handlers participate in classroom activities and work with individual students and groups.
Parents have responded positively to the new arriva, saying that more schools should try and apply for the scheme.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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