Bertha is our school therapy dog. Bertha is a 2-year-old black Labrador and lives with Laura S. Bertha and Laura are great pals. Bertha has been visiting Holy Trinity since September. Just like our new children, she is very excited to be in school as there is a lot going on and many new places to visit. Bertha especially likes snoozing by Laura’s desk after a busy morning visiting classrooms and listening to children read. 

Bertha passed her ‘Pets as Therapy’ training in August which means she is able to visit classrooms and listen to readers from across the school. Sometimes she will help us out by looking after and cheering up anyone who is feeling a bit sad. She will also be able to join us on Fluffy Friday’s and other excursions. 

Although Bertha is in school every Thursday morning, she won’t be able to visit every child but when she’s around school she is always very pleased to see everyone. 

If you would like to read our dog policy it is available on our website. 

If your child has an allergy to dogs or a severe phobia and you would prefer them not to have visits with Bertha please email lauras@htpd.surrey.sch.uk 

There are many benefits to having a school dog, including: 

• a calming effect on pupils, particularly those with behavioural or learning difficulties 
• improved behaviour and concentration, reduced stress and improved self-esteem 
• encouraging expression and participation in more withdrawn children  
• motivating pupils to think and to learn, as most children have a high level of natural interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals 
• encouraging respect and thereby improving pupils’ relationships with each other, parents and teachers 
• helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable children, and educational improvements with low achievers 
• helping children build confidence in reading.