A dog and his owner who support students with additional learning needs at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ (ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥) have received an award from Caring Canines in recognition of their work.
Shih tzu Jack works with his owner Carolyn Atherton in ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s Additional Learning Support (ALS) team, assisting students with specific learning differences, mental health issues and medical conditions.
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They have received the Peg Otway Memorial Award from voluntary group Caring Canines in recognition of the work they do and the difference they make to students they support.
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They were nominated for the award by ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s Additional Learning Support manager Chris Scholes and chosen as winners by a panel of international judges.
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Carolyn, an ALS Specialist tutor, said: “We’re immensely proud to have won this award, as there was stiff competition from other caring canine teams, who are equally as deserving of recognition.
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“Chris Scholes supported our nomination through a written application, which was sent to judges both here in the UK and abroad. I am reliably informed that the decision to award us the memorial trophy was totally unanimous.â€
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Caring Canines supports animal-assisted therapy within the Bournemouth area, and Jack and Carolyn have volunteered with group since 2012.
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Jack is the first animal-assisted learning dog to work regularly within a UK university, and research is currently being carried out at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ to investigate how dog-assisted support can aid the learning process.
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Jack sits in on sessions that Carolyn has with students, helping them to relax and focus and relieving stress and anxiety.
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Sue Dennett, one of the Caring Canines founders, said: “Carolyn and Jack's work is truly pioneering - for ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ to be able to offer their uniqueÌýsupport to their students and change tears to smiles is proof that canine assisted therapy works.â€Ìý