Harper is our School Wellbeing Dog

We have recently made the difficult decision to retire Harper as our school wellbeing dog. Through our work with Dogs Connect and trialling different approaches to best support Harper’s anxious behaviour, it was determined Harper’s personality was not suited to continue as a wellbeing dog. Harper will continue to reside with our staff members, as a pet. Although this was a tough decision for us, we know this is the right decision for Harper.
 
We thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

The story of Harper

In 2022, Harvest Home Primary School in partnership with the Dogs Connect program introduced a wellbeing dog. The school community nominated potential names for our dog; Harper was the winning name due to sharing the same first sounds as the name of our school.

Harper is a Groodle (golden retriever x poodle) meaning she is intelligent, sensitive and energetic. Her black curly coat is non-shedding and hypoallergenic.

Wellbeing dog - intended outcomes for our students:

• Increase connectedness
• Decrease anxiety
• Increase empathy
• Enable students to feel safe and ready to learn
• Increase ability to self and co-regulate
• Increase attendance
• Build positive relationships

At the end of 2022, HHPS applied and received accreditation with Dogs Connect, meaning that our school has:

• demonstrated competency in the minimum level, or above, of training required
• demonstrated a sustainable approach to authentically building connections with a wellbeing dog with people and places within our school community
• been recognised for our level of practice and are expected to continue to provide a healthy, balanced, and sustainable working life for our school wellbeing dog