Scout the dog brings pawsitivity

It is with great excitement that we introduce a new school initiative to support the health and well-being of students in our Northside community.  Our Head of Middle School, Mrs Fiona Long, has recently completed specialised training with her dog Scout, to work towards becoming a certified human-canine therapy team.

Mrs Long and Scout have been completing specialist training through Therapy Dogs Australia and in consultation with Therapy Dogs in Education. As part of this training, Scout is being assessed for a suitable temperament, a high level of manners and good impulse control to be deemed suitable to work with children within a school environment. In addition, Mrs Long has demonstrated appropriate animal handling skills and awareness of animal welfare topics deeming her to be a proficient dog handler for a Therapy Dog.

Scout is a one-year-old purebred Lagotto Romagnolo (Italian Water Dog). She loves people of all ages and enjoys being patted and making new friends. Her breed is considered low/no shedding which can support her engagement with people with allergies or sensitivities. Mrs Long owns three Lagotti and hopes to train her other two, Leo and Billie, to be therapy dogs in time as well. We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to sharing some exciting adventures of Scout’s time at Northside Christian College.