The Queen's School welcomes newest recruit

Girls at The Queen's School in Chester were greeted with a lovely surprise when they started the new school year this month - the new school well-being dog, Bramble.

Bramble is a flat coat retriever, a breed well-known for its capability to love everyone, and lives with the school Estates Operative, Mr. Hughes, and his family. He is a very caring and well-behaved dog who has the right temperament to become a real asset to both the students and staff of Queen’s.

Prior to the pandemic, Bramble worked full-time as a therapy dog in a SEND school for four years and was selected for the job as a puppy due to his breed and temperament. He was trained for his work in a school setting by an ex-police dog handler and worked with children from age 4-19 with a range of complex learning, physical and medical needs. He helped them learn how to be safe around dogs and enjoy having a pet and he also worked 1:1 with children who had anxiety or issues.

Headmistress Mrs Sue Wallace-Woodroffe said: "It is well documented the benefits being around beautiful dogs like Bramble can have on the well-being of everyone, and the staff and students were very excited to welcome Bramble into the Queen’s family. He is settling in well and getting used to his new surroundings. Just walking around the school and seeing the way people react to his presence is lovely and he is already a much-loved addition to Queen's."

Some fun facts about Bramble:

Age: 6

Favourite food: Cheese

Favourite toy: Buffalo Teddy

Favourite place in school: The fields

Favourite thing to do outside work: Snuggling with the cats at home