Tara Murray
Barney and his furry friends were the centre of attention last week at Caroline Chisholm College.
The therapy dogs were at the school to help raise awareness of the Paws4Kids therapy dog program, which students are raising money for.
The therapy dogs are part of MacKillop Family Services’ Paw Pals program, which helps vulnerable children who have stopped going to school or are at risk of disengaging from education.
Paw Pals co-ordinator Sarah Castles said they had seen how working with therapy dogs had turned around the lives of children who were struggling to engage in learning.
“I wish everyone could see what a difference working with our therapy dogs makes to these children’s lives and to their families,” she said.
“If you have a child who is distressed by the idea of school and education, it is enormous pressure on the whole family.
“Our dogs support children on a completely different level, there is no weight, heaviness or expectation – dogs can make a breakthrough with a child when we have exhausted all other means to connect.”
An official Paws4Kids fundraising day is being held this Wednesday, with the aim of $250,000 for the program.
Every dollar donated to Paws4Kids on the day will be automatically tripled by generous matching partners, with the aim of raising $250,000 for Paw Pals.
