Community & Business
2 March, 2022
“Paw-fect” return to school
A TWO-week delay in returning to school this year had students at Tolga State School feeling anxious and uncertain, but that all changed when Kelso came along.
Therapy and support dog Kelso has captured the hearts of students, teachers and parents alike, beginning every Monday morning with a cuddle and some “paw-fessional” anxiety relief.
Local occupational therapist Jolene Kattenberg came up with the idea to expose the Border Collie pup to kids at the school after having success with Kelso during one-on-one sessions with clients in her workplace.
“We thought it would be a lovely idea for him to come into the school on Mondays, as Mondays can be tough for a lot of kids and teachers,” she said.
“He’s a great little man – we just walk around the school and the kids come to us and they just benefit from some cuddles. We have already seen some amazing results.”
Ms Kattenberg said coming back to school was something that kids and parents can struggle with, and Kelso was there to help escort kids through the front gates and keep their mind off their stress.
New principal Kylie Cochran took up Ms Kattenberg’s idea as soon as she stepped up into her position.
“Last year they talked about having a support dog come in, there were some students that were a bit anxious to come in and we have some students in particular who have very high anxiety,” she said.
“The love and cuddles that Kelso receives from students, teachers and parents is growing every single week.”
