Dogs Connect Program
As a PROUD and inclusive school, Wynnum SHS is excited to announce that we are about to launch the Dogs Connect whole-school wellbeing program. Our school wellbeing dog will become a much loved and important member of our community and the Dogs Connect team will support us in implementing this program very gradually, thoroughly, and considerately.
Our wellbeing dog is called Cedric. Cedric is owned by our Head of Inclusive Education, Mrs Celia Connell. Cedric, Mrs Connell and many Wynnum State High School staff, including the Inclusive Education team and many excited classroom teachers, are currently completing training with Dogs Connect. It is our hope that Cedric will become an accredited Wellbeing Dog by the beginning of the 2026 school year.
We would also like to assure all community members that this program is not compulsory and is for people who wish to be involved only. We know that this work will have a really positive impact on many people in our community, and we acknowledge and respect that connection with our wellbeing dog will be offered on a great variety of levels.
What is a Wellbeing Dog?
Wellbeing or therapy dogs are not Service Dogs. Service Dogs are trained to provide specific support for individuals with disabilities such as visual or hearing difficulties, seizure disorders, diabetes or mobility challenges. They should not be touched or handled by anyone other than their owner.
Wellbeing dogs, on the other hand, provide comfort and companionship to many. They are temperament-assessed, complete advanced training with their owner and a team of core school handlers, and are required to have an annual review to maintain accreditation. The role of a wellbeing dog is to react and respond to people and their environment, under the guidance and direction of their owner and core school handlers.
