Our Blog
Juliet's Journey: Teaching Resilience with Fern, the Therapy Dog
Meet Juliet, an enthusiastic Canine Comprehension mentor, and her faithful companion, Fern. Juliet's journey as an educator and mentor is deeply rooted in her love for the outdoors and her passion for teaching. With a background in primary teaching, recreation, and sports management, she possesses a unique blend of skills and experiences that make her a well-rounded mentor. In her household, she shares her life with twin boys, now in secondary school, and a reptile cat named Eskimo. Her love for outdoor activities, including beach trips, dog walks, swimming, tennis, and skiing, reflects her active lifestyle and appreciation for nature.
Introducing Fern:
Fern, Juliet's rescue pup, is the heart of her work as a mentor. Fern's striking yellow eyes and friendly demeanour captivates everyone she meets. Her calm nature, love for car rides, and exceptional tricks make her an instant favourite among students. Fern's ability to connect with people, especially children, is at the core of her potential as a therapy dog.
Preparation for the Role:
Juliet's background in education and well-being has uniquely prepared her for her role with Canine Comprehension. Her previous experience with Life Education, where she taught well-being and health education in schools, aligns perfectly with the mission of Canine Comprehension. Working in schools and conducting an eight-week program and one-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs and goals allows Juliet to apply her expertise meaningfully.
What Sets Canine Comprehension Apart:
Canine Comprehension stands out in the industry by offering programs that can be customised to meet the specific needs of students. Juliet and her fellow mentors focus on individualised learning goals, including effective communication, self-regulation, and mindfulness. This personalised approach allows them to adapt and be flexible, recognising that no two days are the same when working with children and animals.
Valuable Life Lessons:
Through her work as a mentor, Juliet has learned invaluable life lessons from her students. She has interacted with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, gaining insights into their lives and challenges. This experience has taught her the importance of preparation, patience, and flexibility in her role. Juliet has discovered that even small acts of support, such as providing a dog to pat and cuddle, can make a significant difference in building healthy relationships with students.
With Fern as her teaching partner, Juliet's dedication to teaching resilience and well-being exemplifies the Canine Comprehension mission. Her multifaceted background, love for the outdoors, and deep appreciation for the power of therapy dogs make her a valuable asset to the program. Juliet's ability to adapt, be patient, and foster healthy relationships with students underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in education. Juliet and Fern create an environment where students can grow and thrive emotionally and academically.