Continuing our pets at BGS theme, this week we interviewed a really important member of the BGS family, Polo, who is a Labradoodle Pets as Therapy dog.

The Edit had the opportunity to interview Polo’s owner, Mrs Thompson (Teaching Assistant), we hope you enjoy finding out more about this incredible Labradoodle.

Check out our Pets at BGS gallery HERE. You can still send your pet photos to [email protected].

How old is Polo?

Polo is 11 1/2 years old and he joined BGS in 2013.

When did Polo join your family?

Polo came to our family as a 10-week-old puppy, but he wasn’t owned by me. I was a puppy parent for a charity who trained assistance dogs for wheelchair users and it was the charity who chose his name.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a pet owner?

The most rewarding aspects of being a pet owner is the shared love, loyalty, companionship and fun that both pet and owner experience together.

Why did I decide to become a certified Pets as Therapy dog handler?

Having been a Teaching Assistant for 25 years and training dogs for about thirty years, both my own pet dogs and a puppy parent for assistance dogs, I began to see the benefits of children and animals working together.

Polo was not always an easy puppy to train. He was a very intelligent little boy, very strong willed and had a mind of his own. There were challenges but we both had to learn to understand each other, to reward each other and to work as a team. When Polo was 14 months old, he went to the charity’s headquarters to continue with his advanced training. He passed all the tests, but it became very clear that Polo was unhappy and becoming very anxious. He was removed from their programme and I brought him home. Watching Polo, I soon realised he still had so much more to offer. He was very quick to pick up on human emotion and how calming and reassuring he was particularly around children. I approached Pets as a Therapy and we were both assessed. When we both qualified, I approached Mrs Howe (Head of Junior School), who readily agreed that Polo would be a valued member of BGS.

What training did Polo undertake?

When Polo was a tiny puppy, he was introduced to life. I would take him out in my arms and get him use to all the sights and sounds around us, traffic noise, cyclists, joggers anything and everything he would meet on a daily basis. As he got older he would learn to travel on trains, buses and in cars and visiting shops and cafes. It was really important that he felt safe and secure and behaved in all environments. But most importantly he had to learn to be obedient. Polo is now highly trained and has displayed at Crufts on six occasions.

What are the benefits of having a therapy dog in school?

Gosh, the benefits are endless! Seeing and hearing the excitement of the girls as he trots down the corridor. Watching him build and restore confidence, seeing the tears turn to smiles, dispelling worries and concerns. Creating a calm atmosphere allowing these anxieties and concerns to be expressed openly so that coping strategies can be introduced and confidence restored. Catching the staff having sneaky cuddles too.

What is Polo’s timetable in the Junior School?

Polo comes into school every morning from 8.45 - 12.15. He will meet pupils from both the Junior and Senior School in timetabled sessions. He is timetabled until 10.40 and then he is available should he be needed.

What advice would you give to people thinking of getting a therapy dog?

It takes up to three years to train a therapy dog. The training is repetitive and requires endless patience. Any breed can become a therapy dog, but they do need to be calm, obedient and bombproof in every situation. To love humans and animals, not to paw, jump or bark, like to be cuddled by strangers and to be confident. These qualities would make a perfect Therapy dog.

Can any dog be trained as a therapy dog?

Sadly no. Therapy dogs need to have the right temperament and to love and be happy in the work that they do. Polo experienced sadness and anxiousness in his early life, but with kindness and support he was able to overcome these and that is what makes him so special. He is able to recognise and understands how others feel and wants to help.

Questions for Polo...

What is your perfect day?

My perfect day is coming into school, settling on my bean bag and waiting to be greeted by the girls and staff at BGS. Then home time, when I get to romp in the fields and burn off some energy.

What is your favourite treat?

Ooh, this is quite a hard question as I do love my treats! I think if I really had to choose one, it would have to be cheese, but I would never refuse a crunchy carrot.

What are your key attribute?

I think I am very calm, quiet, gentle and a very good listener. I am also very good at putting the girls at their ease. I wag my tail, prick my ears and turn their frowns into smiles.