A NEW member of staff has joined the team at Fossa National School in Killarney – and she is proving hugely popular with pupils and teachers.
Zazu the shepadoodle is a newly appointed therapy dog who is based mainly in the school’s autism unit but is widely available to all pupils.
The cute 16-week-old puppy was provided by My Canine Companion which is a charity that trains service dogs to work with children with autism.
Zazu will undergo further specialist training at the charity’s headquarters in Cork over the coming months before she graduates as a fully trained therapy dog.
She is part of a litter of 10 puppies and Zazu’s mother, Fifi, is a therapy dog in Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine in Kenmare with teacher Deirdre Prendergast, who lives in Fossa.
Zazu’s brother, Zorro, has been assigned to CBS Primary School in Tralee and another brother, Zumer, has joined the team at St Brigid’s Secondary School in Killarney.
“We have seen many benefits in a short space of time,” said Fossa teacher Bríd Kissane.
“Zazu provides emotional comfort and support for children experiencing anxiety or stress,” she said.
“She also aids communication skills and creates a positive interactive environment in our school.
“She also helps children with sensory needs and we are thrilled to have her join our team and look forward to her journey ahead,” said Bríd.
Stay up to date with Zazu on Instagram @zazu_theschooldog_mcc.
