Sonny is a beloved and valued member of Lara Lake Primary School, making a positive impact on students, staff, and the broader school community since February 2023.
As our school wellbeing dog, it’s important that Sonny is seen as a source of support for everyone, not just those who may need extra assistance. From yard duty to school assemblies, dress-up days, classroom visits, and one-on-one interactions, Sonny makes a difference in countless ways.
Sonny takes great joy in welcoming visitors to ‘his office,’ proudly showing off his toys, which never fail to bring a smile to everyone’s face. This simple act can serve as a perfect distraction for staff members or students who may need a moment to talk about something that’s troubling them. Sonny particularly shines when supporting students who require additional assistance for various reasons. One notable example is his support for a student struggling with school attendance. In the early days, Sonny would meet the student at the car to help ease their transition onto school grounds. Today, the student enters school independently, taking some time with Sonny before the school day begins, helping them feel calm and ready to engage in the learning program. Sonny has given this student something to look forward to, and their excitement to return to school after a holiday was a true testament to his impact. When the student arrived and Sonny greeted them with a wagging tail, it was clear just how much of a difference he has made.
Sonny loves people, and it’s no surprise that he enjoys getting hundreds of pats each day! In introducing him to our school, dog education has been a key part of his role. We wanted to ensure that all students, even those who only want to say “Hi, Sonny!” from a distance, could interact with him.
Parents have shared how Sonny’s presence has helped their children develop confidence in interacting with dogs. To promote his and others’ wellbeing and safety, students are taught to approach Sonny’s handler first, before asking if they can pet him. This practice has had a positive impact on the oral language and conversational skills of our students, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as they engage with Sonny by commenting on his soft ears or wagging tail.
Sonny offers unconditional love, and his calm personality makes him the perfect fit for our busy school environment. Our school community is deeply grateful to Guide Dogs Victoria and everyone involved in raising and training Sonny. We strongly encourage other schools to consider the profound impact a therapy or wellbeing dog can have on their community. The team at Guide Dogs Victoria is there to support you every step of the way, ensuring a perfect match for your school’s needs.
Sonny has a special poster above his bed that reads, “It’s not dog hair, it’s Labrador glitter!” Everyone who gets a piece of his special glitter leaves with a smile, as his presence truly makes every day brighter at Lara Lake Primary School.
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