FEATURE PROFILE: Wellbeing dog Bonnie
— Avenel Primary School
December 5, 2022
While still a ‘trainee’, Avenel Primary School’s wellbeing dog Bonnie is fulfilling the role with her golden personality.
The 20-month-old Groodle – a Golden Retriever cross Poodle – evokes a sea of smiles and sense of calm, helping students’ learning engagement and social connection.
Since short visits to the school as a pup in 2020, she has progressed to four ‘work’ days a week; supporting the emotional wellbeing of 170 students and staff.
The golden trainee’s role is varied, and immeasurable.
“Wellbeing is important for learning,” school principal Ross Davis said.
“Anyone can have a bad morning or a down day, but Bonnie lifts anyone’s mood so they come in class ready to learn.”
“She helps everyone’s wellbeing, not just students who are anxious or need targeted support.”
Mr Davis said the dog-walking roster taught responsibility, and Bonnie’s gentle nature helped students’ build confidence and leadership skills.
School business manager and Bonnie’s primary carer, Vicki Martin, said the allergy-friendly dog instinctively knew if students were anxious or needed company.
“Her morning job is to coax anyone who doesn’t feel like coming to school out of the car, and sit with them for a cuddle,” Mrs Martin said.
“Bonnie senses which children need a cuddle.”
With a growing collection of fashion accessories, the school’s wellbeing dog is a natural talking point – and role model, donning headphones or face mask when needed.
Bonnie lives with Mrs Martin and her husband David on their two-hectare property, napping after school duty and re-energising on between days in young canine style.
“At home, she likes to roll in mud and dig holes!” Mrs Martin said
Avenel Primary School bought Bonnie through Dogs Connect, funded by School Focused Youth Services.
The process began in 2019, with the school’s cute pup born in May 2020 (the first year of COVID lockdowns and remote learning) and moving in with the Martins in July (2020).
“I started bringing her in to school when she was about six-months old, first my office and then familiarising her with the other school buildings,” Mrs Martin said.
“Now [November 2022] she comes to school four days a week.
“She is young and still learning, so needs to get used to routine again after the school holidays and can be a bit stubborn if she wants to stay in the office!”
Dogs Connect, a Victorian-founded mental health program, has supported Avenel Primary School with Bonnie’s training and educating the school community on how to interact with its wellbeing dog.
“The students know she is a working dog and need to show her respect,” Mrs Martin said.
“Everyone knows they are not allowed to pat Bonnie on the head, or to touch her without asking.
“If Bonnie is in their classroom, students need to say hello to the teacher first – not the dog.”
Mr Davis said the junior school council (student representatives from Years 3 to 6) co-ordinated the poll to name its wellbeing dog.
He also ensured the students understood Bonnie’s role before her paws padded on the school ground.
“When we first spoke to the junior school council about a wellbeing dog, we explained she will be a working dog,” Mr Davis (pictured on Footy Day, below) said.
“We told them, ‘People won’t be able to [freely] pat her, and while she may spend more time with some students, everyone will get their chance to engage with her.’ ”
As Term 4 2022 draws to a close, Bonnie will undoubtedly be a welcome furry face (with her tail wagging) after the summer holidays.
Whether a student feels hesitant or ready to bounce back into school routine, their much-loved wellbeing dog will be a familiar, comforting friend and social connector.
After a restful break (and hopefully for the Martins, not digging too many holes), she will support students in quiet time or sparking conversation – whether she’s in the school yard or lying at someone’s feet in the classroom.
For more information about Dogs Connect, visit https://dogsconnect.net.au