Pupils Paws For A Cause at Maple Hayes Dyslexia School Raises Funds For Pets As Therapy

Karen Appleby from Pets As Therapy with pupil Lola, Sheila Jackson from Pets As Therapy, Pupil Harry, Carol Prentice and Dr Daryl Brown with support dogs Poppy and Coco

Some four-legged friends visited pupils on one of their last days of school before they broke up for the summer holidays.

Pets As Therapy, a charity dedicated to providing animal-assisted therapy, was invited to the school assembly at Maple Hayes Dyslexia School to receive a cheque donation of £1360.

The funds were raised during the school's recent Prize Giving Day, a celebration of academic and extracurricular achievements. The donation will support the charity's invaluable work in bringing joy and companionship to those in need.

The morning showcased the positive impact that therapy animals can have on the well-being and emotional development of individuals, including those facing challenges such as dyslexia.

The Staffordshire-based school has a history of having school dogs, with the current one being the much-loved Lucy who recently celebrated her 16th birthday and has provided a waggy tail and comfort to pupils since she was a puppy (although she is not a Pets As Therapy dog!)

Sheila Jackson, a representative from Pets As Therapy, attended the school assembly along with her colleagues Karen Appleby and Carol Prentice along with two of their hard-working therapy dogs, Poppy and Coco who brought smiles and excitement to the pupils and staff.

She said: “We are deeply touched by the kindness displayed by Maple Hayes Dyslexia School. This donation will make a significant difference to our mission. Our work at Pets As Therapy is crucial, and we've seen first-hand how dogs, like their beloved Lucy, can boost the emotional wellbeing of individuals, including those tackling challenges such as dyslexia."

The funds will enable Pets As Therapy to continue its vital mission of spreading joy and companionship to those in need. The charity focuses on therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools, and other venues, using carefully assessed pets.

Research indicates that therapy dogs can reduce stress and blood pressure, while also promoting social interaction and communication. A 2019 study found that interacting with therapy dogs led to a 60% decrease in self-reported anxiety and loneliness symptoms in university students.

Dr. Daryl Brown, the headteacher of Maple Hayes Dyslexia School, said: "We are immensely grateful to Pets As Therapy for their remarkable work and the difference they make in people's lives. The visit of Sheila, Poppy,Carol,Karen and Coco was truly heartwarming, and our children thoroughly enjoyed their presence. The generous donation from our Prize Giving Day will contribute to the charity's ongoing efforts to bring comfort and support to those who need it most."