I am delighted to tell you all about our new addition to the Rishton Methodist family. Dottie is a chocolate roan, black, and tan Cocker Spaniel. She was born in August 2021 and went to live at home with Mrs Newsham in October. She is delightful and absolutely loves getting attention and affection from everyone she meets. She comes into school 2-3 times per week and puts a smile on everyone’s faces. She comforts upset children and is used during pastoral sessions to encourage children to speak about how they are feeling. Having Dottie beside them often helps children to calm down and open up about their feelings or worries.

Many people, staff, and children, pop in throughout the day to see Dottie and she loves being stroked and tickled behind her ears. She looks forward to being in school and as she gets older, we are hoping she can be used more widely to help with reluctant readers, raise attendance and improve overall well-being.

Research has shown that children can benefit educationally and emotionally, increase their understanding of responsibility, and develop empathy and nurturing skills through contact with a dog. In addition to these benefits, children take great enjoyment from interaction with a dog.

Dottie is extremely placid and gentle with the children who are all so happy to see her in school. Her tail never stops wagging throughout the day however she is happy to go home every night with Mrs Newsham for a well-deserved rest.