Therapy dog helps school community in wake of deaths
A tight-knit community on South Australia's west coast is struggling to come to terms with the untimely deaths of two people connected to the local school. But a recent arrival to the town of Elliston is helping with new ways to deal with grief.
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00:00 Hayes the Groodle Puppy is Elliston Area School's newest student.
00:07 He's been helping children in the playground and the classroom to cope with the recent
00:11 death of a classmate and a teacher.
00:13 Since we got Hayes pretty much everyone's been a lot more positive.
00:19 You can pat him and make sure that you're ok I guess.
00:23 Last year seven year old Nya Dudley, a student and daughter of two teachers, died suddenly
00:27 with influenza A.
00:29 Almost a year later this community lost a popular teacher, Simon Baccanello, in a fatal
00:35 shark attack.
00:36 A memorial service was held in May at Walker's Rocks at the site of the attack.
00:41 We've been through some very sad times, it's just been really difficult.
00:45 Jay Dudley says her daughter's death last year was very traumatic for the community.
00:50 That was a real shock to everyone that this could happen here and to someone so young
00:57 and she was really one of those really sparkly people that made a huge impact on everyone.
01:05 But the impact has been eased since the school won Hayes in a competition.
01:09 He's being trained to visit classrooms and rooms among the children at recess and lunchtime.
01:14 After the tragic event it was hard and then Hayes came in and whenever he steps a foot
01:21 in the classroom it just brings joy.
01:23 When he walks into the classroom everyone's like "Oh Hayes!"
01:29 Instant joy.
01:31 It's not just for me, it's for everyone in every single class.
01:36 Everyone has been feeling a bit sad but Hayes just makes everyone feel a bit happier.
01:43 Along with counselling and a wellness program, Hayes is helping everyone here to cope with
01:47 grief.
01:48 It's been a bit of a haze but he's bringing that joy and helping us with our recovery
01:56 that's for sure.
01:59 Joy that deserves a good rest in the Principal's office.
02:02 [BLANK_AUDIO]