College Dog Paddie Helps Students to Relax

Pet Therapy is a popular therapeutic approach, which helps people to recover from or better cope with health problems. And, whether you’re a pet owner or not, chances are you enjoy being in the company of our favourite four-legged friends. Pet Therapy is widely used in care homes to help lift the spirits of residents who may be feeling isolated, as a furry cuddle can be a great comfort. Now, big companies including Google and Monzo Bank allow colleagues to bring their dog to work, as they see the wellbeing benefits pets can bring to the environment.

Although you can’t bring your pet into East Sussex College, students can take advantage of meeting ‘College dog’ Paddie at our Eastbourne campus. Proud owner Tracie Lawrence is a Learner Support Assistant in Oak House and now Paddie has been fully assessed, registered and insured as a Sensory Wellbeing Care Dog with the Canine Concern Charity.

“Valerie Fillery, CEO of Canine Concern, personally assessed both myself as handler and Paddie, for Paddie’s suitability as a Sensory Wellbeing Care Dog,” says Tracie. “I am so proud that little Paddie passed all his tests with flying colours. He completed his first full week at college before the Easter break. The students and staff adore him!”

Paddie mainly spends his time in Oak House, where Tracie works with Foundation Learning students. He is also often seen with Tracie over in Grove House, the canteen, and around the Eastbourne campus grounds meeting students.

In Oak House, Paddie is already a firm favourite. “Our students have complex special needs and disabilities and it’s wonderful to see their response to Paddie. He will now forever be known as Paddie-The-Dog, as one of our Oak House students repeats this as he sits stroking him. Other less verbal students call out ‘Woof Woof’ when they see him, and others reach out to stroke him from their wheelchairs. He brings lots of smiles to the students’ faces...and staff too!”

Paddie’s exceptionally calm and quiet temperament makes him the perfect addition to the college in helping students to relax. And although the classroom environment can be very noisy at times, he takes it all in his stride and enjoys the interactions as much as the students do.

“It was lovely to hear while walking on campus one day a group of mainstream students saying 'cute dog; what is it about dogs that makes you smile?!’ as Paddie passed by,” Tracie concludes. “ I thought this summed up the whole idea of dogs being part of education perfectly.”

Meet Paddie

As part of Stress Awareness Month, students can meet Paddie Tuesday and Friday lunchtime (12.30pm-1pm) outside Tyler House. Come along and say hello. Just a few minutes out of your day can be a huge lift.