Wellbeing Pet

 We are so lucky at Hazeldene to have Hamish as part of our family.

Hamish is a hypo-allergenic Shihpoo (Shih Tzu/ Poodle Mix) and has been visiting schools and nurseries since he was a tiny puppy working in various Nurture Classrooms and Inclusion Bases.  He currently works as a ‘Wellbeing Pet’ on Thursdays at Wellshot Primary School in Glasgow City Council and attends Hazeldene Family Centre on Fridays.  Now that Hamish is six-years-old he can officially sit his exams to become a Therapet.

Children (and adults!) benefit so much from having contact with animals.  Caring for animals is an enriching experience for children which offers opportunities to experience nurture, relationships and nature. Animals need to be treated with love, empathy and respect, just like humans. And whilst they may enjoy a cuddle sometimes, at others, they may need space, feeding, grooming or walking. Children can learn to be empathetic to the needs of the animal and to recognise these needs without using words.

Hamish has Public Liability Insurance and a full Risk Assessment should anyone wish to see this.

Should any family wish to opt-out of this opportunity, this is absolutely not a problem, and can speak to the Head Teacher, Justin Hardie, about this.