‘The children all get to give Emmett a rub and stop for cuddles before class’

It's not too many children who can boast that they have a dog at school but for the pupils of Scoil Eoin Báiste in Nobber, every morning they are greeted by a gorgeous golden doodle called 'Emmett'.

A cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, Emmett has become a much-loved member of the school community and comes to school every day with Principal Anne-Marie McKenna. A trained assistance dog, Emmett has made a big difference not just to the children in the Autism classes but the whole school since he arrived over a year ago

Ms McKenna explained how it came about to have a dog at school "'My Canine Companion' match families with Autism Assistance Dogs, like Emmett. Each year they open up their lottery system and families all over the country, with a child with Autism, apply for a dog. We have a wonderful little boy with Autism and applied through the regular channels. In May 2022 we heard that we were getting a dog, a little puppy called Emmett. When I mentioned that I worked in a school, they said Emmett would be a great fit and he could come with me each day. And he does!"

Anne-Marie told how Emmett's first "job" of the day is to meet and greet everyone and that he waits by the door with her each morning. Everyone coming in gets to give him a rub, says hello, stops for a cuddle or a chat and then moves on to class.

"We operate a rolling opening so children come in between 9am and 9.15am. There’s no pressure to be in before the bell and we have found that very few children are ever late. Emmett has become an integral part of the morning routine. Some children rush in for hugs and cuddles, others love a quick rub, but he always get a good morning. I’m not sure the children would notice that teachers aren’t in, but if Emmett isn’t in there are questions to be answered," she laughed.

"He also does class visits. He goes into classes and finds somewhere to sit and just hangs out. He never distracts and always comforts. The children know to keep their bags zipped, the noise level down, and floor tidy so it’s a win win!"

Anne-Marie admits she was really nervous at first about taking Emmett to school with her, and says she was maybe more worried about staff and other adults. However, her fears were unfounded and he settled in really quickly to school life .

"We had a few moments with children who had had bad experiences with dogs but they have come to realise that not all dogs are the same, that they don't need to come near Emmett if they don't want to and that even if they do he's so patient and gentle that the experience is always a good one.

"He settled in so quickly. It was no time at all but the children were looking for him and asking for him. And not just the children in the autism classes but the whole school."

Anne-Marie says he does get tired and loves a bit of quiet time in his crate during day the day or a sneaky snooze under a desk.

"I was afraid that the children would be totally distracted by him. That if I went into a class the whole lesson would break down because he's there. But that rarely happens. The children know to keep the noise down so he doesn't get too excited and after that he's just looking for some attention and spot to relax in. He's great for mass as well. He might happen to find a child who would have trouble with sitting and listening and you'll find that with Emmett by their side they relax into mass and get a lot more out of it.

"The biggest difference is with the children in our autism classes. Slowly over the course of the time we've had him, you can see the children warming to him, calling him by name, getting a chance to take him to their dance party or getting out for a walk with him. It has been one of the best things that has ever happened. The mood in a room with a dog like Emmett is like no other. Every work place should have one!"

She also told how few years ago, 3rd and 4th did a Science Experiment to investigate if spending time with your pets increased productivity. "They concluded that indeed it did, and from what we have seen we would totally agree! The misconception is that Emmett is for the children in our Autism classes – Emmett is for everyone. He doesn’t distract when in a class, he is always gentle, and he gives the children nothing but love."

Anne-Marie explained that it costs about €10,000 to train an assistance dog. Recently along with husband Barry Kavanagh, Anne-Marie abseiled from the roof of Croke Park to raise funds for 'My Canine Companion'. While Anne-Marie said abseiling from 150 feet in the air brought her totally outside her comfort zone, it was something she was happy to do for an incredible cause and described it as an "amazing experience".