School therapy dog Frank among RSPCA WA Animal Welfare award winners
Claire Sadler and Sandra Jackson, PerthNow, 5 October 2022.
Animals of all shapes and sizes gathered to celebrate the positive
differences they made in the community.
Frank the school therapy dog is just one of many furry friends that were
recognised at this year’s RSPCA WA Animal Welfare Awards.
Every morning, students at Chrysalis Montessori School are greeted at
the gates by Frank wagging his tail.
His job is to build confidence and reduce anxiety as students transition
into school. He walks younger students to class who are anxious.
He even offers a soft and sympathetic ear when students need it — often
listening to children reading or practicing a speech they’re nervous for.
Owner Jacqui Jarrett said Frank
loves his job as much as the children love him.
“He’s a bit upset that it’s
school holidays at the moment,” she said.
“Every morning he’s ready at the
door for school and is wondering why we aren’t going.”
Mrs Jarrett said she was proud of
Frank and her daughter Elizabeth who fundraises for the RSPCA.
Among the other award winners in
attendance were Legacy, the therapy donkey, and Nimbus the three-legged
wheelchair using lamb.
